Yonago acta medica, vol.63, no.3, pp.205-213, 2020 (SCI-Expanded)
Background Constipation is a common problem in
pregnancy. This study aims to elucidate the efficacy
of using a bidet before defecation to reduce the severity
of constipation and improve the quality of life in
pregnancy.
Methods The sample consisted of an experimental
group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30), a total of 60
pregnant women. Randomization was performed using
the pitch-and-toss method from simple probability randomization
methods. The research data were collected
using the Personal Information Form, the Constipation
Assessment Scale for Pregnancy, and the Constipation
Quality of Life Scale.
Results There was a statistically significant difference
between the pregnant women’s mean scores on the
Constipation Assessment Scale for Pregnancy due to
the intervention of bidet before defecation. Although the
members of the intervention group had severe constipation
at first, they reported only “some problems” on
defecation after the intervention. In addition, statistically
significant improvements were observed in the
intervention group via all subscales of the Constipation
Quality of Life Scale except the satisfaction subscale.
Conclusion Providing pregnant women with training
on constipation and information about how to control
constipation using a bidet is very important in terms of
reducing the severity of constipation, enabling them to
feel better and continue their daily activities, and thus to
improve their quality of life.
Key words constipation; ease of defecation; pregnancy;
quality of life