Comparing Differences and Similarities Between Chinese and American Women's Experiences of Stress Urinary Incontinence and Health-Seeking Behaviors During Pregnancy

Abstract

BACKGROUNDStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a globally pervasive health condition that is often first experienced during pregnancy and may well continue beyond pregnancy. Yet, definitive numbers of prevalence are uncertain due to multiple factors including embarrassment. This study compares differences and similarities between Chinese and American women's experiences of SUI and health-seeking behaviors during pregnancy.METHODOLOGYThis study used a cross-sectional design to explore health-seeking behaviors of primigravida women within the first 5 days following birth in China (n = 178) and the United States of America (n = 178) who experienced SUI using the Impact of Incontinence Questionnaire short form (IIQ-SF).RESULTSWhile more Chinese women experienced SUI (p =.049), American women who experienced SUI experienced it earlier in their pregnancy (p = .003) and more frequently (p < .0001) than the Chinese women. Therefore, it can be assumed that although less American women experienced SUI, the impact was greater on their daily living activities. Irrespective of ethnicity, only 14% (n = 18) of women who described having SUI sought medical aid.CONCLUSIONThe disconnect between high incidence and low rates of seeking treatment needs future exploration to develop interventions tailored to educate women about SUI and its role during pregnancy.