Qualitative inductive analysis of the lives of women with persistent cloaca based on their narratives
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In brief
In brief
This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of nine women with persistent cloaca from childhood through adulthood, revealing ongoing challenges with excretion, vaginal management, social understanding, and psychological impact. Five major themes emerged, including the perception of being "not normal" and the reality of lifelong disease management beyond the pediatric transition period.
- Women with persistent cloaca face lifelong excretory and vaginal management challenges that persist beyond childhood surgical correction.
- Social understanding and support significantly impact quality of life and psychosocial adaptation in PC patients.
- Patients experience persistent feelings of abnormality and gender-related inferiority requiring psychological support throughout life.
- PC is a chronic condition requiring continuous medical follow-up into adulthood, not just pediatric management.
- Age-specific concerns emerge across the lifespan, necessitating tailored multidisciplinary care from childhood through adult transition.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to explore and describe the lives of patients with persistent cloaca (PC) from childhood to adulthood.
Methods
Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine adult patients with PC. Their experiences and thoughts regarding this disease were analyzed qualitatively and inductively.
Results
After classifying the experiences and thoughts of patients with PC, 13 categories were extracted. The following five themes emerged from these categories. (1) Difficulties with excretion and vaginal management because of the disease. (2) The degree of understanding of those around them and society has a huge effect on their way of life. (3) The inferiority of a woman who is not a “normal woman.” (4) A “never-ending disease” in which problems continue even after the transition period. (5) Differences in the central point of the narrative depending on the age group.
Conclusions
In this study, qualitative and inductive analyses of data from semistructured interviews with patients with PC revealed their experiences and thoughts. The results will provide a guide for young patients and the medical professionals who treat them. Accordingly, monitoring their lives until adulthood is necessary.