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Living with Urinary Incontinence: Potential Risks of Women’s Health? A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Female Patients Seeking Care for the First Time in a Specialized Center

Author

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  • María Zahara Pintos-Díaz

    (Department of Rehabilitation, Hospital 12 Octubre, Madrid Health Service, Avda, Cordoba, 28041 Madrid, Spain)

  • Cristina Alonso-Blanco

    (Department of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Physical Medicine, University Rey Juan Carlos, Avda de Atenas, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain)

  • Paula Parás-Bravo

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda Valdecilla, Santander, 39008 Cantabria, Spain
    Researh Nursing Group IDIVAL, Calle Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n. C.P., 3901 Cantabria, Spain)

  • César Fernández-de-las-Peñas

    (Department of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Physical Medicine, University Rey Juan Carlos, Avda de Atenas, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain)

  • María Paz-Zulueta

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda Valdecilla, Santander, 39008 Cantabria, Spain
    Health Law and Bioethics Group, Health Research Institute IDIVAL, c/Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain)

  • Víctor Fradejas-Sastre

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda Valdecilla, Santander, 39008 Cantabria, Spain)

  • Domingo Palacios-Ceña

    (Department of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Physical Medicine, University Rey Juan Carlos, Avda de Atenas, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
    Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), University Rey Juan Carlos, Avda de Atenas, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) represents a complex problem which commonly affects women and influences their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of a group of women with urinary incontinence. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study. Purposeful sampling was used. Recruited patients were females aged >18 years old with positive symptoms, signs of urinary incontinence, and attending a specialized urinary incontinence center for the first time. We collected data using interviews and participants’ personal letters. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: 18 women participated with a mean age of 47.32 years. Four themes emerged: (a) Experiencing uncontrolled urinary leakage, (b) Information based on beliefs and myths regarding UI, (c) Adapting to change and developing strategies, (d) The role of education. Women’s experiences were accompanied by feelings of stress and shame. A lack of information regarding UI was found, together with numerous misconceptions. Urinary incontinence triggers many changes in women. Some women may develop feelings of rejection towards their own body. Family involvement during these times is essential for education and promoting healthy sexual practices. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of developing educational programs that focus on women’s information and education regarding triggering factors and coping strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • María Zahara Pintos-Díaz & Cristina Alonso-Blanco & Paula Parás-Bravo & César Fernández-de-las-Peñas & María Paz-Zulueta & Víctor Fradejas-Sastre & Domingo Palacios-Ceña, 2019. "Living with Urinary Incontinence: Potential Risks of Women’s Health? A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Female Patients Seeking Care for the First Time in a Specialized Center," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:19:p:3781-:d:274276
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cuili Wang & Jingjing Li & Xiaojuan Wan & Xiaojuan Wang & Robert L. Kane & Kefang Wang, 2015. "Effects of stigma on Chinese women's attitudes towards seeking treatment for urinary incontinence," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(7-8), pages 1112-1121, April.
    2. Hsia‐Tzu Kao & Mark Hayter & Sharron Hinchliff & Chuan‐Hsiu Tsai & Min‐Tao Hsu, 2015. "Experience of pelvic floor muscle exercises among women in Taiwan: a qualitative study of improvement in urinary incontinence and sexuality," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(13-14), pages 1985-1994, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Claudio Costantino & Alessandra Casuccio & Vincenzo Restivo, 2020. "Potential Risks and Factors of Women’s Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-7, December.

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