Exploring women's bladder self‐care practices: A qualitative secondary analysis
Authors: Wyman Jean F. , Burgio Kathryn L. , Newman Diane K. , Cunningham Shayna D. , Hebert‐Beirne Jeni , Low Lisa Kane , Meister Melanie R. , Stapleton Ann , Gahagan Sheila , Williams Beverly R. ,   The Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Published: June 2024

Aims

To describe women's experiences with a range of bladder self‐care practices.

Design

We conducted a secondary, directed content analysis of qualitative data from the Study of Habits, Attitudes, Realities and Experiences, a multisite focus group study designed to explore adolescent and adult women's experiences, perceptions, beliefs, knowledge and behaviours related to bladder health. This study was conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases' Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium. Study methods were informed by the Consortium's conceptual framework, based on a social ecological model adapted from Glass and McAtee's Society‐Behavior‐Biology Nexus.

Methods

Participants were recruited at seven geographically diverse United States research centres between July 2017 and April 2018. Data for the current analysis were collected using a semi‐structured discussion group with 36 focus groups involving 316 community‐dwelling adult women aged 18–93 years. Coded text was re‐examined according to eight self‐care behavioural domains identified through literature review and expert opinion as potentially influencing bladder health.

Results

Participants described many self‐care practices they had adopted to prevent bladder problems or manage existing symptoms and conditions. Eight themes were identified: ‘Choosing fluids, foods and medications’; ‘Dressing for bladder health’; ‘Promoting bodily cleanliness’; ‘Managing toileting environments’; ‘Timing when to void’; ‘Exercising pelvic floor muscles for bladder control’; ‘Limiting physical activities that challenge the bladder’ and ‘Staying home and navigating when away’. Thirteen subthemes were derived from five of the eight themes.

Conclusion

Women use a broad array of self‐care practices related to their bladder health. Research is needed to examine the efficacy of self‐care behaviours for preventing or managing bladder symptoms and conditions, and to discern potential risks. Results have important implications for development of bladder health promotion interventions and public health messaging around women's bladder health.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding women's bladder self‐care practices, which can be used by clinicians and public health professionals in designing interventions to promote bladder health and function.

Impact

Women with and without lower urinary tract symptoms use a broad range of self‐care practices that may affect their bladder health, including some that may be harmful. Because of the high prevalence of bladder symptoms in women, this study may help patient assessment and counselling regarding self‐care practices.

Reporting Method

This study was reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.