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Pediatric Surgery International

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01-09-2019 | Fecal Incontinence | Original Article

A survey of adults with anorectal malformations: perspectives on educational, vocational, and psychosocial experiences

Authors: Laura Judd-Glossy, Merlin Ariefdjohan, Stefanie Curry, Jill Ketzer, Alberto Pena, Andrea Bischoff

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 9/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Despite medical advances, individuals with anorectal malformations (ARM) experience significant medical and psychosocial challenges due to their complex conditions. This study aimed to obtain the perspectives of adults with ARM throughout their lifetime regarding their medical, school/vocational, and psychosocial functioning.

Methods

A 40-item survey was administered electronically to members of an international ARM Facebook group (56% response rate; n = 125). Survey items included demographics, medical diagnosis/treatment, school/workplace accommodations, mental health diagnosis/treatment, and life perspectives.

Results

Majority of respondents were female (73%), aged 25–34 years (31%), Caucasian (92%), US residents (60%), and attended public school (86%). 53% of respondents are currently employed. 32% of respondents received school-based accommodations and 24% at work. 58% of respondents had a mental health diagnosis, with depression (82%) and anxiety (81%) being the most common.

Conclusions

Results suggest that adults with ARM experience ongoing difficulties related to schooling, employment, and mental health, in addition to medical complications. It is becoming increasingly clear that improving patients’ physical well-being is not enough; psychosocial concerns must also be addressed directly. Thus, it is important for clinicians to be aware of and partner with psychosocial providers to support these challenges associated with ARM, to maximize patients’ overall health and well-being.

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Title: A survey of adults with anorectal malformations: perspectives on educational, vocational, and psychosocial experiences
Authors: Laura Judd-Glossy
Merlin Ariefdjohan
Stefanie Curry
Jill Ketzer
Alberto Pena
Andrea Bischoff
Publication date: 01-09-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Fecal Incontinence
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 9/2019
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-019-04508-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

A survey of adults with anorectal malformations: perspectives on educational, vocational, and psychosocial experiences

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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