Mp21-10 “I’m a Bathroom Expert”: Balancing College Life and Bladder and Bowel Programs for Students With Physical Disabilities

You have accessJournal of UrologyPediatrics II (MP21)1 May 2024MP21-10 "I'M A BATHROOM EXPERT": BALANCING COLLEGE LIFE AND BLADDER AND BOWEL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES Oluwaferanmi O. Okanlami, Jodi M. Kreschmer, Saumya Gupta, Allison Lee, Aruna V. Sarma, and Courtney S. Streur Oluwaferanmi O. OkanlamiOluwaferanmi O. Okanlami , Jodi M. KreschmerJodi M. Kreschmer , Saumya GuptaSaumya Gupta , Allison LeeAllison Lee , Aruna V. SarmaAruna V. Sarma , and Courtney S. StreurCourtney S. Streur View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008844.84871.17.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A key aspect of the urologic care of adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities is promoting maximal independence. However, while urologists may encourage their patients to obtain higher education, it is unknown how to prepare them for managing their bladder and bowel programs at college. METHODS: We performed 1:1 semi-structured interviews with 13 current college students with physical disabilities to probe their experiences during college, including managing their bladder and bowel. Participants included 4 males and 9 females, of whom 6 had cerebral palsy, 1 had spina bifida, 3 had spinal cord injury, 3 had other physical disabilities. Six were on a specific bladder or bowel program (Table 1). Three researchers analyzed all transcripts using constructivist grounded theory procedures. RESULTS: We identified six themes regarding bladder and bowel management at college, including: 1) interfering with class, 2) importance of time management, 3) adherence to prescribed programs, 4) balancing hydration and toileting, 5) living situation considerations, and 6) campus bathroom experiences (Table 2). The bladder and bowels greatly impacted the college experience of many students with physical disabilities who needed to intentionally plan their days around their programs, prepare for the unexpected, and always be aware of nearby bathrooms. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists could better support adolescent and young adults who aspire to go to college by encouraging them to proactively work on time management, tailoring their programs to college life considerations, and advocating for access to private bathrooms. Source of Funding: Oluwaferanmi O. Okanlami- NIDDK K12-DK-111011, Courtney Streur- NICHD 1K23HD10598701A1 © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e333 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Oluwaferanmi O. Okanlami More articles by this author Jodi M. Kreschmer More articles by this author Saumya Gupta More articles by this author Allison Lee More articles by this author Aruna V. Sarma More articles by this author Courtney S. Streur More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...