Abstract:
The objectives of the studies were to describe the meanings and the experiences of defecation with immobilized patients in the in-patient-care unit by applying qualitative research method. The main method of data collection is in-depth interview. Analysis the data by coding, categorizing it in to theme, until the data saturated. There were thirteen informants.The finding of this studies were :The meanings of defecation were classified into 5 categories: 1) Unnatural defecation, not habitual and the feeling of being uncomfortable. 2) Physical and mental suffering. 3) Depending on others, self-confict and being afraid of offend, sin, frustration, and self blame. 4) Lack of privacy. 5) Being embarrassed from expesing their genital organs and making unpleasant odors, figures, and noise that occur form defecation.The experiences of defecation in bed can be classified into 4 stages:Stage 1:Trying to avoid defecation in bed and conditions that induce them to defecate.Stage 2:Encounter the impacts of avoid to having defecation. It causes physical suffering: insomnia, anxiety, frustration; thus, the patients deny communication and participation in social activities.Stage 3:Learning to solve the problem of having defecation in bed can be divided into 2 parts: 1) Psychological management by understanding and accepting the defecation inbed. 2) Solving the related problems of defecation in bed.Stage 4:Finally, living with outcomes from learning to solve the problems of defecation in bed can be divided into 3 subcategories: 1) Negative impacts of problem solving on defecation. 2) Able / not able to defecate on their own. 3) Avoidance / acceptance of other defecation.Recommendation: Nursing Education: Training about defecation experiences of patients with immobilization to nursing student and professional nurse.Nursing Research: Developing an innovated nursing care program for prevention, intervention and treatment of defecation problem patients with immobilization.Nursing Practice: The patients' problems should be considered, assessed and nursing interventions as caring model, presentation about helping patients, and giving orientation and manual for new patients and caregivers about the nature defecation in bed of patients with immobilization. Provide program encourage prepare body for prevent and resolve problem of defecation.Nursing Administration: Providing equipment for patients' self-care and privacy.