University Research Highlights Women’s Perspectives on Bladder Health
Researchers from the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota’s Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium are collaborating to investigate women’s perceptions of bladder health. Their qualitative study engaged 360 women, revealing a significant gap in understanding what constitutes a “healthy” versus an “unhealthy” bladder. The findings suggest a pressing need for improved education surrounding women’s bladder health and the prevention of lower urinary tract symptoms.
Insights from Focus Groups
The primary objective of the research was to capture bladder health from women’s perspectives. To do this, the team organized 44 focus groups, grouping women based on shared social contexts and similar life experiences, led by trained moderators skilled in qualitative methods. This approach allowed researchers to gather in-depth information on how these women conceptualized bladder health.
Diversity in Perspectives
In a conversation with The Daily, Lisa Kane Low, a nursing professor and lead author of the study, emphasized the necessity of involving individuals from diverse backgrounds in women’s health discussions.
“We engaged participants aged 11 to 93 in focus groups to understand their views on bladder health,” Low explained. “We uncovered many insights regarding new ways to think about this issue. Notably, we found that many women face challenges, particularly in workplace settings, when it comes to having the autonomy to access restrooms as needed.”
Challenges Faced in the Workplace
The research identified gatekeepers—individuals in positions of authority who restrict access to restrooms—as a significant barrier for participants. Low noted that women in rigid job environments or those encountering language barriers frequently struggled to use the restroom when necessary.
“In staffing positions, many employees were not afforded the flexibility to take bathroom breaks when needed, often facing scrutiny for how often they went,” Low said. “Location also played a role; in some Spanish-speaking communities, requesting access to a restroom in a business setting could be particularly challenging.”
A Holistic Approach to Understanding Bladder Health
The research utilized a socio-ecological model to examine the disparities in bladder health perceptions across different focus groups characterized by various demographic factors such as location, age, English proficiency, and income. Low emphasized that understanding environmental factors was crucial for grasping how they shape women’s perceptions of bladder health.
“One might assume that the biological need to use the restroom would not be contentious. However, in many situations, comfort and access are significant issues, pushing women to alter their habits, which may lead to negative health outcomes,” Low shared.
Misconceptions About Bladder Health
The findings revealed diverse and often conflicting understandings of what constitutes bladder health, with many women defining it merely as the absence of discomfort or unusual symptoms rather than as an overall sense of well-being. Low pointed out the prevalence of misconceptions about bladder health among the participants.
“There was a lot of shared experience and confusion,” Low remarked. “Some believed you had to drink excessive water, while others thought that drinking too much was detrimental. Some felt that holding it strengthened the bladder, although that may weaken it over time.”
Integrating Bladder Health into Public Awareness
Many participants only considered bladder health when faced with symptoms, indicating that bladder health education should be integrated into public health messaging and school curriculums. Low commented, “We learn about various aspects of our bodies, yet discussions around bladder health and urination are rarely addressed. This must change to help individuals distinguish between what is considered normal and what is not.”
Encouraging Open Conversations in Healthcare
Low also emphasized the need for normalizing conversations about bladder health in healthcare settings to encourage patients to communicate openly with their providers. “Many participants were reluctant to mention experiences like ‘having an accident or leaking’ due to feelings of shame, especially since their healthcare providers seldom initiated discussions on the topic,” she explained.
Advocating for Public Health Education
In an email to The Michigan Daily, Kathryn Burgio, a professor at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and study contributor, noted that a key aim of the PLUS Research Consortium is to enhance public health education regarding bladder health. “We aspire for this information to facilitate our understanding of adolescent and adult women’s needs while guiding the creation of impactful public health messaging and educational interventions,” Burgio stated.
The Importance of Normalizing Women’s Health Discussions
In discussing bladder health, LSA sophomore Saiya Zeng from M-HEAL’s Project Mia highlighted the parallels with the progress made in destigmatizing conversations about menstruation. “Periods were once loaded with stigma; now, in my group, we openly discuss them with community partners. Normalizing these discussions is vital to fostering a comprehensive understanding of women’s health,” Zeng stated.
