The burdensomeness of bowel and bladder dysfunction, investigated among 67 people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), exploring current clinical and self-management interventions related to incontinence. Higher rates of bowel and bladder dysfunction are common among people with PD, yet knowledge of how these symptoms are differentiated and managed in the community is scarce. Using mixed method design incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews, the study focused on dysfunctional bowel and bladder symptoms and management. The surveys and interview data, from which participant-generated burden scores were derived, supported statistical comparisons to reveal the severity and importance of participants’ perceptions of efforts to manage their diagnosis and treatment. Bowel and bladder dysfunctions were found to be directly linked to their neuro-pathophysiology rather than ageing related factors; and these symptoms caused higher levels of anxiety and distress than did other PD non-motor symptoms. Further, their own preconceptions of what constitutes a 'legitimate' health concern, affected participants' capacity to source information and assistance. Little symptom relief was obtained from medications and treatments commonly used for bowel and bladder difficulties and exacerbated the unpredictability of their bowel and bladder problems, which then prompted participants to self-impose social restrictions and report poor quality-of-life
