Work

Help-seeking behavior among women currently leaking urine in Nigeria: is it any different from the rest of the world?

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We examined help-seeking behaviors and factors influencing their choice of hospital care in women currently leaking urine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was part of a multistage community survey conducted among 5001 women in Nigeria who participated in the Ibadan Urinary Incontinence Household Survey. Help-seeking behavior was analyzed among 139 respondents currently leaking urine within the population surveyed. RESULTS: The mean age of those currently leaking urine was 35.7 years (standard deviation = 15.8). Only 18 (12.9%) had ever sought help, of which 15 had received hospital care. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of seeking hospital care was higher among less educated women (odds ratio [OR] = 4.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-13.89) and among those with severe incontinence (OR = 4.20, 95% CI: 1.24-14.29). Reasons mentioned for not seeking hospital care include a belief that the condition is not life-threatening (51.2%), do not believe there is treatment (18.2%), lack of funds (1.7%), too shy to disclose (2.5%), afraid of complications (1.7%), other (2.5%), and no reason (22.3%). CONCLUSION: This study shows that very few women, currently experiencing urinary incontinence have sought medical care (approximately 1 in 10); and that the barriers identified are similar to those identified in previous studies, except that these women lack the necessary funds to seek care.

Source: Patient Preference and Adherence

DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s24911

Authors: Imran Morhason-Bello, Adedokun, Ojengbede, Okonkwo, Kolade

Institutions: University of Ibadan, University College Hospital, Ibadan

Language: English

Topic: Pelvic floor disorders treatments

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836