Self‐efficacy beliefs, faecal incontinence, and health‐related quality of life in patients born with anorectal malformations

Aim Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are rare congenital colorectal anomalies with long lasting consequences, among which faecal incontinence is one of the most relevant since it may strongly affect patients’ health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Although a growing body of literature supports the importance of self‐efficacy in chronic disease health outcomes, only few studies have focused on self‐efficacy in ARMs and in faecal incontinence. The purpose of the present study is to examine the mediational role of self‐efficacy in the path between faecal incontinence and HRQoL in patients born with ARMs. Method Ninety‐eight adult patients from the Italian Association for Anorectal Malformations (AIMAR) responded to measures of faecal incontinence, self‐efficacy for managing ARM consequences, and physical and mental HRQoL (SF‐36). Data were analysed by means of structural equation models. Results The tested model provides support for the guiding hypothesis. Fit indices indicate that the model fits the data well (χ2 = 33.48, df = 23, P = 0.07; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.07; standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.05). Faecal incontinence has negative effects on both physical and mental HRQoL, as well on self‐efficacy. In turn, self‐efficacy has a positive and direct effect on mental HRQoL. Conclusion Faecal incontinence is the most relevant and negative factor influencing HRQoL; in addition, self‐efficacy contributes in reducing emotional distress and in improving mental health outcomes. Longitudinal and controlled studies may be helpful to evaluate the effectiveness of self‐efficacy interventions in improving mental HRQoL in patients with faecal incontinence.