Table 2 Primary outcome: barriers to bracing and self-implemented solutions (n = 14)
Barriers | n (%) | Corresponding items | Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
Limitation in activities of daily living | 8 (57) | “To drive; to sit down” “Like a penguin on the ice floe” “Not able to bend down” “Can’t use it to do sport” “To bend over” | “Adaptation of movements” “The ortho-prosthetist readjusts” |
Difficult to wear it during hot weather, excessive sweating | 8 (57) | “Suffocating with it in summer” “Impossible to wear it” “I didn’t wear it” | “To take a change of clothes” “Seamless t-shirt” “Cotton tank top” |
Burden of aesthetic appearance | 7 (50) | “It has an impact on self-image, it has an impact on femininity” “I never wear it outside” “It’s ugly” “The way people look at you” “Difficult to dress with” “Not very stylish” | “Loose-fitting clothing” “I put it on last over my clothes or under my pants” |
Digestive discomfort | 3 (21) | “I have aerophagia” “I have reflux” | “Loosening the brace” “I do not wear it during meals” |
Increased pain | 3 (21) | “Muscular pains” “Hips and ribs [pain]” | “Essential oils, analgesics, heat, rest” “I saw the ortho-prosthetist” |
Dissatisfaction with the fit | 2 (14) | “The brace is much too wide now” “The straps are not long enough” | “I have hernia but the brace had been made according to” “Was modified and it is better since” |
Skin discomfort | 2 (14) | “I am very careful” | “Cotton t-shirt below under” |
Respiratory discomfort | 2 (14) | “Yes [respiratory discomfort] but also related to aerophagia” | “Loosening the brace” “I learned to breathe with it” |
Asthenia | 1 (7) | “Significant fatigue with the brace” | |
Urinary discomfort | 1 (7) | “Urine loss” | |
Communication problems with health care provider | 1 (7) | “Have you ever worn a brace? Do you know what you are talking about?” | |
Traveling | 1 (7) | “[The brace is] cumbersome” |