Exploring the sense of privacy as barrier to formal health service among the elderly with constipation in Kelantan
Introduction: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder among the elderly. It has a significant negative impact on health related quality of life which is largely attributable to failure in managing the symptom. While constipation-related privacy issue has been identified in other p...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/72376/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/72376/1/72376_Exploring%20the%20sense%20of%20privacy%20as%20barrier_complete.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder among the elderly. It has a significant negative impact on health related quality of life which is largely attributable to failure in managing the symptom. While constipation-related privacy issue has been identified in other population, there is limited research on such issue in Malaysia.
Objective: To understand the role of sense privacy as barrier for the constipated elderly to access formal health service.
Methodology: Grounded theory approach is applied as key method in examining and understanding the various experiences of constipation among 46 elderly in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews.
Results: Constant comparison analysis showed that perceived and internalized sense of privacy associated with constipation influenced access to formal health service by delaying or declines the treatment. The elderly perceived constipation was a personal experience and treatment was left to their choice. The reasons for their responds were a norm disorder, less severe condition and will heal on its own. Uncured condition may result in embarrassment and affect self-esteem particularly in women because it reflected impairment in body function and perineal-related care. The elderly identified the key factors to overcome sense of privacy including acceptance of similar experience by other people, humor, social support and understanding of constipation.
Conclusion: There is a need to rectify the misconception about constipation-related privacy issue among the elderly. Beside provision of information about constipation, empathy and focus to the elderly’s complaint are important to overcome the key psychological barriers to treatment such as sense of privacy. |
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