Urinary Incontinence in Turkish Women

Abstract

PURPOSE:The study was performed to determine how urinary incontinence (UI) affects women's daily lives and sexual health and how UI is perceived. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was used. SUBJECTS AND SETTING:The study was conducted in a family health center in Konya, Turkey, with official permission of the ministry of health. Study participants comprised 101 women with UI, but data from 12 women were excluded because they refused to respond to questions; therefore, data analysis is based on responses from 89 respondents. METHODS: Data were compiled via in-depth interviews using a semistructured questionnaire. Data collection and analysis processes were carried out simultaneously. Study data were examined using phenomenological content and thematic analyses. Document portraits and a code map of data were created using qualitative data analysis software. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 46.25 (SD: 11.68) years. Thirty-three codes were identified to detect the effects of UI on women's daily lives. These codes were reviewed and combined into 5 main themes: religious issues, sexual problems, feeling restricted, psychological exposure, and internalization. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence causes women to experience environmental, psychological, and religious challenges during daily life. Healthcare professionals should give counsel and assistance by determining the issues for women with UI to promote coping with problems and offer referral for specialist care when necessary.

“The constant worry”: Urinary incontinence self‐management in rural women: A qualitative study

“…While the Women's Preventive Services Initiative (O'Reilly et al, 2018) recommends annual screenings for UI in women using a validated instrument, the American Academy of Family Physicians has expressed resistance to this recommendation, citing the paucity of research on the adverse effect of screening and the lack of knowledge regarding how or if early intervention improves outcomes (Shaughnessy, 2019). Without access to treatment, women manage UI symptoms on their own, often in ways that are harmful to overall health (Yilmaz & Erkal Aksoy, 2023).…”

“…While the physical symptoms of UI are bothersome for many women, the symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg. Women with UI have described UI as negatively impacting self‐esteem (Pintos‐Díaz et al, 2019), intimacy and sexual function (Saiki & Meize‐Grochowski, 2019), sleep (Yilmaz & Erkal Aksoy, 2023), and quality of life (Sawettikamporn et al, 2022). Women with UI report restricting or avoiding participation in social activities because of their UI symptoms (Silva et al, 2022).…”

Methodologies Used in Studies of Self-Management Interventions for Urinary Incontinence in Adult Women: An Integrative Review

“…Barriers to accessing care for UI and the resistance to implementing routine screening have led many women to use self-management strategies (eg, limiting fluid intake) that negatively impact overall health. 21 The development and implementation of self-management programs and interventions have provided opportunities for many individuals living with a long-term condition to access to the skills, education, and resources needed to optimize health outcomes. 22 UI self-management is a dynamic process of managing UI, involving resource utilization and performance of tasks unique to the individual.…”

“…Barriers to accessing care for UI and the resistance to implementing routine screening have led many women to use self-management strategies (eg, limiting fluid intake) that negatively impact overall health. 21…”