부산대학교 도서관

This study aimed to survey attitudes towards excretion among older people living in Okinawa, Japan, with a focus on generational differences, and to examine the way excretion assistance in nursing should be provided in a manner that reflects their culture. We interviewed 15 older people in Okinawa regarding their attitudes toward excretion using a semi-structured interview method.The results of the interviews suggested that the subjects used the following as a guide to assess their stool condition: “a bowel movement in the morning helps to have a good day”, “stool is banana-shaped and not hard”, “excretion gives a refreshing feeling”, “have no fecal impaction”, and “I undergo examinations and check results”, etc. Some people wanted excretion care, such as by their families and professionals, while others did not want such assistance from anyone. The subjects expressed a desire to maintain their own rhythm of excretion, as well as to accommodate their caretakers’ schedule, as they are being provided with care that they need. Generational differences regarding excretion were found in “lowering trend in the age of toilet habit education”, “changes in excretion posture due to changes in toilet shape”, “fear of old toilets”, “increased cleanliness of toilets”, “changes in moral views of excretion”, “increased internal and external awareness about excretion”, and “decreased sense of shame in one’s private parts”. Older people living in Okinawa maintained their own rhythm of excretion, while making a judgment about their own condition, and being aware of generational differences regarding excretion. Whether these attitudes are characteristic in Okinawa or Japan remains unclear, but our findings suggested the need to understand the current excretion habits and ideas of the older, as well as to understand toilet experience and habits of the generation to consider suitable excretion methods.