The Role of in-Person Support Groups in the Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women from a Mixed-Methods, Randomized Pilot Study
Year: 2021
Type: preprint
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background To assess the feasibility and acceptability of in-person support groups as a potential intervention for female patients with urinary incontinence. Methods Women over the age of 18 seeking treatment for UI were randomized to standard care with support group participation or to standard care alone. All participants completed validated questionnaires at the beginning and conclusion of the study. Questionnaires were analyzed with repeated measures of ANOVA models in an intention-to-treat manner. Three moderated support group sessions were held and audio recorded. Recordings were transcribed and categorized by frequency into themes using grounded theory methodology. Results A total of 10 control and 8 intervention participants agreed to participate. Seven women attended all three support group sessions and were included in the final analysis. Transcripts from support group sessions observed women identified most with (1) urinary incontinence (UI) as a chronic disease, (2) shame managing UI, and (3) social constraints of toileting. Support participants self-reported appreciation of support group participation and desire for on-going sessions. Analysis of the questionnaires did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. Conclusion Data ascertained from questionnaires was unable to demonstrate a meaningful effect in improved treatment outcomes for control and intervention participants. Grounded theory analysis of transcripts identified four primary themes: (1) appreciation of the support group, (2) UI as a gendered issue, (3) lack of public awareness, and (4) history of negative provider interactions. All support group participants self-reported interest in attending future support group sessions.
Source: Research Square
Institution: Mayo Clinic
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3210183384