Enhancing Knowledge of Women on Urinary Incontinence- A Pre and Post Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary Incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent among women and has a significant impact on physical and psychological health. Several women fail to seek help or treatment as this problem is a cause of significant embarrassment among women. UI is an important social problem that affects more than 50% of postmenopausal women. Aim: To explore awareness level amongst women about UI and determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention to commensurate their awareness towards the same. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study design was adopted. Postmenopausal rural women of the community in Mangalore were selected by the door to door household survey from April 2018 till March 2019. Data was collected from 60 women using demographic proforma and structured knowledge questionnaire on UI. Results: The response rate for the questionnaire was 100%. In the pretest, 53 (88%) women had poor knowledge, and 7 (12%) had average knowledge regarding UI. In the post-test, knowledge of women enhanced amongst 52 (87%) of women; however, 8 (13%) women were in the poor knowledge category. The mean pretest knowledge score (X=5.38) had significantly enhanced in the post-test (X=11.73, p<0.001). Conclusion: Women have limited access to information and knowledge regarding UI. Nurses play a significant role in promoting targeted awareness in the community towards this condition. The present study created awareness among women and encouraged them to seek timely help for a better Quality of Life (QoL).

Keywords

• awareness
• intervention
• postmenopausal women
• urinary disorder