The Effect of Bidet Use on Severity of Constipation and Quality of Life Among Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy. This study aims to elucidate the efficacy of using a bidet before defecation to reduce the severity of constipation and improve the quality of life in pregnancy.
METHODS: The sample consisted of an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30), a total of 60 pregnant women. Randomization was performed using the pitch-and-toss method from simple probability randomization methods. The research data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Constipation Assessment Scale for Pregnancy, and the Constipation Quality of Life Scale.
RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the pregnant women's mean scores on the Constipation Assessment Scale for Pregnancy due to the intervention of bidet before defecation. Although the members of the intervention group had severe constipation at first, they reported only "some problems" on defecation after the intervention. In addition, statistically significant improvements were observed in the intervention group via all subscales of the Constipation Quality of Life Scale except the satisfaction subscale.
CONCLUSION: Providing pregnant women with training on constipation and information about how to control constipation using a bidet is very important in terms of reducing the severity of constipation, enabling them to feel better and continue their daily activities, and thus to improve their quality of life. ©2020 Tottori University Medical Press.