Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 41, Issue 5 , Pages 504-508, November 2007

The Psychosocial Impact of Bladder Exstrophy in Adolescence

  • Christine J. Wilson, D.Clin.Psych.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Services, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Nancy Pistrang, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Christopher R.J. Woodhouse, M.B., FRCS, FEBU

      Affiliations

    • The Institute of Urology and Nephrology, University College, London, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Deborah Christie, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Services, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: Deborah Christie, Ph.D., Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Services, University College London Hospital, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, United Kingdom.

Received 2 January 2007; accepted 29 May 2007. published online 03 September 2007.

Abstract 

Purpose

To examine the experiences of young people living with bladder exstrophy.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with 16 adolescents aged 16–21 years, exploring the psychological and social impact of bladder exstrophy.

Results

Participants described difficulties, solutions, and practical assistance needed to manage living with bladder exstrophy. Participants identified practical difficulties, their identities, and relationships as the three main areas of importance. They discussed challenges associated with disclosing the nature of their condition, being bullied, and sexual relationships. Despite the difficulties and challenges described, young people repeatedly expressed a determination to live their lives as normally as their peers did.

Conclusion

Many examples of difficulties experienced in the past and the present are described. Young people report a range of creative coping strategies used to respond to the demands of living with a chronic health condition.

Keywords: Bladder exstrophy, Psychosocial impact, Adolescence, Qualitative methodology, Coping

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PII: S1054-139X(07)00241-8

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.05.021

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 41, Issue 5 , Pages 504-508, November 2007

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