Assessment of the impact of urinary incontinence on body image in women

ABSTRACT Purpose: Urinary incontinence emerges as a common problem among women, affecting various stages of their lives. Although not life-threatening, urinary incontinence can significantly impact quality of life and body image perception negatively. With numerous types, urinary incontinence in women leads to adverse effects on body image and social isolation. Location and Time of the Study: The research was conducted at the Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinics of the Akdeniz University Hospital, with women aged 18-49 residing in Antalya Province who reported experiencing urinary incontinence, between December 2022 and December 2023. Method: This study employed a qualitative research design using descriptive phenomenology. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 voluntary participants aged 18-49 who reported experiencing urinary incontinence. Data were collected through a personal information form and semi-structured interview form. Codes and themes were derived from the collected data. Findings: Through coding, three themes and 10 subthemes were identified: "Emotions and Thoughts Related to the Body," "Non-Familial Relationships," and "Family Relationships." Conclusion: The experiences of women with urinary incontinence and their body images are influenced by body perception, as well as views from spouses, family, social environment, and individual perspectives. These women experience feelings of shame, anxiety, anger, and inadequacy. Additionally, fear of living with urinary incontinence leads to withdrawal from daily activities, negatively affecting body image perceptions. Women feel physiologically restricted and face psychological issues. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of societal paradigms and cultural norms shaping women's approaches to health services in the context of urinary incontinence. Healthcare professionals should assess women in the context of urinary incontinence. Keywords: body image, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor, nursing