Characteristics of Fecal Incontinence

Abstract

Objectives The aim of conducting this study was to investigate the relations between different characteristics of fecal incontinence (FI) and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), placing a focus on stool consistency. Methods This is a secondary data analysis of data from cross-sectional studies. We merged data from the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. Results Of all participating persons, 1.9% were only fecal incontinent and 8.6% lost both urine and fecal material, of which 28.8% lost liquid fecal material and 71.2% lost solid stool. The prevalence of IAD among persons with FI was 5.6%. Persons with liquid FI had a 2.786-time higher risk of developing an IAD than persons with solid stool. Conclusion Because of the higher risk of developing an IAD, persons with liquid FI should be analyzed in further studies by applying the definition of FI from the International Continence Society and referring to the Bristol stool chart.