Aim: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are rare congenital colorectal anomalies with long lasting consequences, among which faecal incontinence is one of the most relevant since it may strongly affect patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although a growing body of literature supports the importance of self-efficacy in chronic disease health outcomes, only few studies have focused on self-efficacy in ARMs and in faecal incontinence. The purpose of the present study is to examine the mediational role of self-efficacy in the path between faecal incontinence and HRQoL in patients born with ARMs.
Method: Ninety-eight adult patients from the Italian Association for Anorectal Malformations (AIMAR) responded to measures of faecal incontinence, self-efficacy for managing ARM consequences, and physical and mental HRQoL (SF-36). Data were analysed by means of structural equation models.
Results: The tested model provides support for the guiding hypothesis. Fit indices indicate that the model fits the data well (χ2 = 33.48, df = 23, P = 0.07; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.07; standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.05). Faecal incontinence has negative effects on both physical and mental HRQoL, as well on self-efficacy. In turn, self-efficacy has a positive and direct effect on mental HRQoL.
Conclusion: Faecal incontinence is the most relevant and negative factor influencing HRQoL; in addition, self-efficacy contributes in reducing emotional distress and in improving mental health outcomes. Longitudinal and controlled studies may be helpful to evaluate the effectiveness of self-efficacy interventions in improving mental HRQoL in patients with faecal incontinence.
Keywords: Self-efficacy; adults; anorectal malformations; faecal incontinence; health-related quality of life.
Colorectal Disease © 2018 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.