Determining the practices of paraplegia patients concerning the self-applied CLEAN intermittent catheterization

The aim of this study is to determine the practices of patients with paraplegia for CIC. This descriptive study was carried out in patients aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of paraplegia who were hospitalized in Kozaklı Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital between October 2021 and April 2022, and who performed self-applied CIC. As a data collection tool, a questionnaire prepared in line with the literature was used. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews. The prepared survey questions were applied to individuals who were hospitalized on 06-09.10.2021 and applied CIC with a diagnosis of paraplegia, and a preliminary application of the research was made. After this application, the clarity and effectiveness of the questions were tested. As a result of the application, the question statements that were not perceived by the individuals in the same sense, unclear, and difficult to understand were changed and the questionnaire was prepared and made ready for application. In the next stage; With the updated questionnaire form, the study was conducted with the individuals within the scope of the research. The questionnaire used in the research consists of five parts. There are 39 questions in total. The questionnaire form consists of questions that will determine the introductory and characteristics of individuals regarding the use of CIC and their practices regarding the pre-, during and post-procedure steps of CIC. A sample group of 145 people participated in the study. Obtained data were evaluated by frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation analysis. The sample included in the research; consists of patients who accepted to participate in the study, were able to use their upper extremities, and were at least literate. The mean age of the patients was 36.43±13.29 years. CIC application periods are minimum 3 months and maximum 20 years. The number of CIC applications per day is between 1-8. The most in CIC numbers; women prefer Hydrophilic Catheter (CH) 12/20cm, men CH 14/40cm. All patients use the hydrophilic catheter type. Catheter carry forward distance is usually carried out until the entire catheter is inserted. The number of patients who apply more than one CIC with the same catheter is substantial. The use of a urine bag is more preferred than a urine discharge container. Bladder fullness control is not performed by the vast majority in the pre- and post-procedure steps. While regular handwashing rates are low, post-processing handwashing rates are higher compared to pre-treatment. While the majority of the genital area cannot be cleaned regularly during the procedure, it has been determined that those who provide genital area cleaning after the procedure are not at a sufficient level. Notifying the health workers in case of abnormal situation is not provided by the majority regularly. The applications for the pre-, during and post-procedure steps of the patients with paraplegia who applied CIC were determined, and it was concluded that they did not have sufficient knowledge. In line with the results obtained; It is recommended to plan training on the steps of the procedure during the hospitalization period for patients with paraplegia diagnosed with CIC, to develop scales to determine the level of proficiency in the procedure steps in CIC, and to study the knowledge levels of nurses about CIC.