Intermittent catheterisation for individuals with disability related to spinal cord injury in Tanzania

This study investigates the use of clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Tanzania. It looks at the challenges they face, such as the availability of equipment and complications. The study found that while many individuals start CIC in the hospital, a significant number discontinue it after discharge, mainly due to lack of access to the necessary supplies. Despite initial concerns, most individuals reported satisfaction with their bladder management, highlighting the importance of counselling and follow-up care.

• 1
  A major obstacle for the implementation and continuation of CIC in individuals with SCI in Northern Tanzania is the availability of CIC equipment for home-usage.
• 2
  The most frequent complications of CIC were urinary tract infections (20.8%) and mild bleeding (14.6%).
• 3
  The majority of individuals (79.2%) reported satisfaction with their situation, regardless of the severity.