Sue Creech's Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence the experience
of urinary incontinence (UI) as it relates to sexual intimacy for older women.
Additionally, I wanted to identify perceived areas of intervention that might
positively influence the experience of UI as it relates to sexual intimacy for
participants. The sample consisted of 10 women who ranged in age from 65 to
81.
The theoretical framework guiding this study was a systemic perspective in
which how participants make meaning is given prominence. Symbolic interactionism,
social constructionism, and systems perspective are interwoven to provide the
foundation for this study. Data were collected utilizing in-depth interviews.
Self-portraits were introduced to enrich conversation during the second interview.
Three conclusions were drawn from this study. First, feelings of secrecy that
permeated this project were manifested in the lack of willing participants as
well as brevity of responses during interactions with participants. Second,
participants indicated a tendency to minimize their incontinence and to manage
their symptoms without formal medical intervention. Third, participants offered
perceived potential interventions that might positively influence the experience
of UI. These included the provision information related to UI in a way that
does not require individuals to request the information, such as brochures at
physicians' offices, post-surgical follow-up, and individuals from whom participants
would be most comfortable receiving such information.
