Qualitative inductive analysis of the lives of women with persistent cloaca based on their narratives

Purpose: The study aimed to explore and describe the lives of patients with persistent cloaca (PC) from childhood to adulthood. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine adult patients with PC. Their experiences and thoughts regarding this disease were analyzed qualitatively and inductively. Results: After classifying the experiences and thoughts of patients with PC, 13 categories were extracted. The following five themes emerged from these categories. (1) Difficulties with excretion and vaginal management because of the disease. (2) The degree of understanding of those around them and society has a huge effect on their way of life. (3) The inferiority of a woman who is not a “normal woman.” (4) A “never-ending disease” in which problems continue even after the transition period. (5) Differences in the central point of the narrative depending on the age group. Conclusions: In this study, qualitative and inductive analyses of data from semistructured interviews with patients with PC revealed their experiences and thoughts. The results will provide a guide for young patients and the medical professionals who treat them. Accordingly, monitoring their lives until adulthood is necessary.