Évaluation de la Qualité de Vie des Patients Porteurs de Sondes Urinaires Transurétrales à Abidjan: Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Patients with Transurethral Urinary Catheters in Abidjan

Abstract

Introduction. Transurethral urinary catheterization is a common urological procedure, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where obstructive urinary pathologies are frequent. While its effectiveness for bladder drainage is established, its impact on patients' quality of life remains poorly documented in Ivory Coast. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with transurethral urinary catheters at Cocody University Hospital. Patients and methods. A prospective descriptive study was conducted from November 2024 to April 2025 among 80 consecutive patients with transurethral urinary catheters. Demographic data, clinical information, and complications were collected. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, with scores transformed to a 0-100 scale according to WHO standards. Results. The mean age of patients was 65.1 years with male predominance (95%). Acute urinary retention was the main indication (77.5%). Mean catheter duration was 31.4 days. Bladder spasms were the most frequent complication (55%). Quality of life scores revealed moderate impairment in the physical domain (mean 53.2) and social relationships (mean 46.4), while the psychological domain was better preserved (mean 59.2). The environmental domain showed intermediate scores (mean 50.7). Conclusion. Transurethral urinary catheterization significantly affects patients' quality of life, particularly physical and social dimensions. A multidisciplinary approach including therapeutic education, complication management, and psychosocial support could mitigate this impact.