Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital
Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA | Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA | Department of Urology, Children's Hospital Colorado,
Aurora, CO, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Montida Chowanadisai, Children's Hospital
Colorado, Department of Pediatrics. 13123 East 16th Avenue B032,
Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Tel.: +1 720 777 2749; Fax: +1 720 777 7347; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: PURPOSE: Spina bifida is a common cause of pediatric disability
and more prevalent in the Hispanic population. Significant health disparities
exist in minority populations. Culturally adapted health interventions have
been attempted in conditions such as pediatric asthma with improvement. This
study aims to explore the influence of ethnicity and culture with regards to
functional status and care satisfaction. METHODS: Study participants were recruited from the Children's Hospital Colorado Spinal Defects Clinic.
Demographics and past medical and surgical history were obtained via chart
review. A questionnaire assessed ethnicity, acculturation, self-care, mobility,
bowel and bladder function, and care satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 70 subjects with spina bifida were included in the statistical analysis. There was
no difference in PEDI self-care and mobility scores between ethnicities. The
Hispanic group had higher urinary incontinence rates, higher percentage with
bladder accidents, and lower satisfaction with bladder management. Regarding
bowel function, the Hispanic group had lower satisfaction rates and a trend
towards lower bowel continence. CONCLUSIONS: Further work is needed to
understand the social and cultural differences between Hispanic and
Non-Hispanic children and their families that impact bowel and bladder
continence and care satisfaction. Once identified, culturally sensitive
interventions may be implemented that can alleviate these apparent health disparities.
Keywords: Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, bowel, bladder function, incontinence, acculturation, ethnicity, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic, satisfaction with care
