Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine intermittent catheterization (IC) adherence, the reasons for discontinuation, and the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in individuals with neurogenic bladder dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 237 patients with spinal cord injury who were either currently performing or had previously performed IC at a tertiary-level rehabilitation center. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected using a descriptive information form and the Functional Independence Measure. Results: IC was continued by 89.9% of the study participants, and discontinued by 10.1%. Higher adherence was observed in male patients and those with complete injuries (P < 0.05). Of those who continued IC, the rates of “use of bladder/sphincter relaxants in the last four weeks” and “use of antibiotics/antiseptics for UTI in the past year” were significantly higher compared to those who discontinued IC (P < 0.05). The most common reasons for discontinuation were individual decision (33.3%) and physician recommendation (29.2%). Patients who stopped IC preferred voiding (normal or reflex) (58.3%), indwelling catheterization (25%), or the use of diapers/pads (16.7%). The majority of patients who discontinued IC did so within the first year of use. Conclusion: The decision to continue IC is influenced by individual, clinical, and environmental factors. These findings highlight the necessity of personalized education, follow-up, and support programs to enhance long-term adherence to IC.