Abstract
A study was conducted investigate relationships between postoperative defecative dysfunction,self-care behavior and physiological factors. In particular,the relationship between self-care behavior and psychosocial factors was examined. The study involved 58 patients with rectal cancer who had undergone sphincter-saving resection more than 4 months previously. Data collection consisted of an: interview with a questionnaire and a survey of the medical records. The findings were as follows:
Self-care behavior,defined as a patient's attention to self during daily life,definitely improved postoperative defecative dysfunction. This behavior included eating foods that increase stool volume and promote bowel movement,anal self～stimulation to promote defecation,life style improvements and exercising the pelvic floor muscles.
Patients who received preoperative irradiation therapy showed no improvement in defecative dysfunction.
Self-care activities that had a favorable effect upon defecative dysfunction were related to self-esteem and coping style.
The most important instructions given to a patient involved selection of proper food,methods of promoting defecation,way to improve life style and information on the anticipated defecative dysfunctions and their remedies.
