Table 1.
Characteristics of long-term catheter users
| Characteristic | Data source | N | n | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex: % male | ALL | 607 | 362 | 59.6 |
| Age < 70 years* | ALL | 612 | 176 | 28.8 |
| Reason for catheter: neuro (vs non neuro) | ALL | 609 | 347 | 57.0 |
| Type of catheter: urethral (vs suprapubic) | ALL | 566 | 334 | 60.8 |
| Education: % formal educated after 18 years | PQ | 283 | 81 | 28.6 |
| Received benefits (excludes child benefit, pension) | PQ | 296 | 199 | 67.2 |
| Time with catheter (1: <1; 2:1–5; 3:6–10; 4: >10 years) | PQ or DN | 345 | Median 1 to 5 yrs | |
| Lives alone (vs. with others) | PQ or DN | 442 | 122 | 27.6 |
| No problems with self-care (vs some or unable) | PQ | 333 | 99 | 29.7 |
| Self manages catheter – Yes | PQ or DN | 446 | 210 | 47.1 |
| Has visiting carer – Yes | PQ or DN | 437 | 225 | 53.8 |
| Wheelchair user – Yes | PQ or DN | 446 | 256 | 57.4 |
| Barthel level of independence ∼ | DN | 303 | Median 40 | |
*
Mean 75.8, SD 14.7, median 79.5, range 19 –101; mean (SD) male 78.8(13.3) vs. female 71.4(15.5), t test P < 0.0005.
∼
Barthel range 0 dependent – 100 independent (Mahoney and Barthel, 1965).