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Jouanny C, Abhyankar P, Maxwell M. A mixed methods systematic literature review of barriers and facilitators to help-seeking among women with stigmatised pelvic health symptoms. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:217. [PMID: 38570870 PMCID: PMC10993589 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women's pelvic health is a globally important subject, included in international and United Kingdom health policies, emphasising the importance of improving information and access to pelvic health services. Consequences of pelvic symptoms are intimate, personal, and varied, often causing embarrassment and shame, affecting women's quality of life and wellbeing. AIM To understand the experience of seeking healthcare for stigmatised pelvic health symptoms by synthesising all types of published primary research and mapping the results to behavioural theory, to identify potential targets for intervention. METHODS Systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, PubMED databases, CDSR and CENTRAL registers, from inception to May 2023 for all types of research capturing women's views and experiences of seeking help with stigmatised urogenital and bowel symptoms. Studies only reporting prevalence, predictors of help-seeking, non-health related help-seeking, or written in languages other than English, German, French, Spanish and Swedish were excluded. Reference checking and forward citation searching for all included studies was performed. A results-based synthesis approach was used to integrate quantitative and qualitative data. Themes were mapped to the Common-Sense model and Candidacy framework. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for critical appraisal. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation - Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research for assessing certainty of review findings. RESULTS 86 studies representing over 20,000 women from 24 high income countries were included. Confidence was high that barriers to help-seeking were similar across all study types and pelvic symptoms: stigma, lack of knowledge, women's perception that clinicians dismissed their symptoms, and associated normalising and deprioritising of low bother symptoms. Supportive clinicians and increased knowledge were key facilitators. CONCLUSIONS Using the Common-Sense Model to explore women's help-seeking behaviour with stigmatised pelvic symptoms reveals problems with cognitive representation of symptom identity, emotional representations of embarrassment and shame, and a subjective norm that women believe their symptoms will be trivialised by clinicians. Together these barriers frustrate women's identification of their candidacy for healthcare. Addressing these issues through behavioural change interventions for women and clinicians, will help to achieve universal access to pelvic healthcare services (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.7). SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021256956.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Jouanny
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland.
| | - Purva Abhyankar
- Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland
| | - Margaret Maxwell
- The Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland
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Feragen KJB, Myhre A, Stock NM. "Will You Still Feel Beautiful When You Find Out You Are Different?": Parents' Experiences, Reflections, and Appearance-Focused Conversations About Their Child's Visible Difference. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:3-15. [PMID: 34596475 PMCID: PMC8739583 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211039205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To investigate parents' reflections and experiences of having a child born with an appearance-altering condition, interviews with 33 parents of children born with rare craniofacial conditions were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: "Managing emotions: A dynamic process," "Through another lens: External reminders of difference," and "Awareness of difference: Approaching the child." Findings suggest that although parents learned to accept and love their child's visible difference, external factors such as appearance-altering surgery and other people's reactions activated difficult emotions in parents. Parents struggled to decipher whether and when to raise appearance-related issues with their child, and how this could be done without distressing the child. Anticipatory guidance that facilitates positive appearance-focused conversations both within and outside the home seems to be needed. Parenting skills could also be strengthened by preparing parents for social reactions to the child's visible difference, and their child's changed appearance following surgery.
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Tan YT, Rehm IC, Stevenson JL, De Foe A. Social Media Peer Support Groups for Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: Understanding the Predictors of Negative Experiences. J Affect Disord 2021; 281:661-672. [PMID: 33234279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.11.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As social media platforms become commonplace in daily life, online peer support groups have become an increasingly popular resource for people living with physical and mental health issues. Although the benefits of using online peer support groups have been well documented, there can be also be significant risks associated with groups hosted on social media platforms. People living with obsessive-compulsive related disorders may be particularly vulnerable to negative experiences in such groups. METHOD Using a mixed-methods approach, the aim of the current study was to identify the predictors of negative experiences among people who used social media peer support groups for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. RESULTS Results indicated that barriers to treatment and quality of "offline" interpersonal support predicted users' negative experiences in social media peer support groups for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Thematic analysis suggested that the contributing factors towards participants' negative experiences included: (1) confronting content; (2) misinformation; (3) preoccupation with symptoms; (4) social comparison; and (5) hopelessness about recovery prospects. DISCUSSION It was concluded that using social media peer support groups for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, without adequate support structures in place, can pose users at the risk of negative experiences. Further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of how to enhance positive experiences and protect against the possible risks for users of unmoderated online peer support groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tong Tan
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Imogen C Rehm
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Anne Deveson Research Centre, SANE Australia and School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Alexander De Foe
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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Hebert-Beirne J, Camenga DR, James AS, Brady SS, Newman DK, Burgio KL, Kane Low L, Hardacker CT, Gahagan S, Williams BR. Social Processes Informing Toileting Behavior Among Adolescent and Adult Women: Social Cognitive Theory as an Interpretative Lens. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:430-442. [PMID: 33427071 PMCID: PMC8053251 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320979168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about social processes shaping adolescent and adult women's toileting behaviors. The "Study of Habits, Attitudes, Realities, and Experiences" (SHARE) examines adolescent and adult women's experiences related to bladder health across the life course. Forty-four focus groups with 360 participants organized by six age groups were conducted across seven sites. A transdisciplinary team used social cognitive theory as an interpretive lens across a five-stage analysis. The act of observing was identified as the overarching social process informing women's toileting behaviors in three ways: (a) observing others' toileting behavior, (b) being aware that one's own toileting behaviors are monitored by others, and (c) observing oneself relative to others. We found that underlying processes of toileting behaviors, seemingly private are, in fact, highly social. We suggest, given this social embeddedness that health promotion efforts should leverage interpersonal networks for "social norming" interventions and policies to promote healthy toileting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sonya S Brady
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Diane K Newman
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathryn L Burgio
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | | | - Sheila Gahagan
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Beverly Rosa Williams
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Burgio KL, James AS, LaCoursiere DY, Mueller ER, Newman DK, Low LK, Weinfurt KP, Wyman JF, Cunningham SD, Vargo K, Connett J, Williams BR. Views of Normal Bladder Function Among Women Experiencing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Urology 2020; 150:103-109. [PMID: 32841655 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perspectives of normal bladder function among women with lower urinary tract symptoms. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of qualitative data from structured interviews with 50 adult women with lower urinary tract symptoms. A directed content analysis of the transcripts explored women's perspectives on normal bladder function. RESULTS Participants' descriptions of "normal" took many forms and were based on several aspects of bladder function. A prominent feature of normal was that voiding occurred as a seamless process, beginning with an urge sensation, followed by voiding with ease and to completion, and then "being done." Descriptions of normal were based largely on concepts of voiding regularity, including voiding frequency, intervals, and patterns during the day and night. Another aspect of normal bladder function was the notion of having control in terms of not leaking urine, as well as the ability to hold urine and defer urination. Views of normal bladder function extended to the absence of symptoms and the impact of being symptom-free on day-to-day life, including not having to think about or worry about the bladder or limit daily activities. CONCLUSION Women's perspectives on normal bladder function are multifaceted, reflecting attributes most salient to each individual and likely informed by their personal experience with symptoms and their influence on daily life. This work has implications for how clinicians might engage women in discussing bladder symptoms and can inform future research and public health messaging about normal bladder function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Burgio
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL; Department of Veterans Affairs, Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham, AL.
| | - Aimee S James
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | | | | | - Diane K Newman
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lisa Kane Low
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Jean F Wyman
- University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Keith Vargo
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN
| | - John Connett
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Beverly Rosa Williams
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL; Department of Veterans Affairs, Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham, AL
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- National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Bethesda, MD
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Toye F, Barker KL. A meta-ethnography to understand the experience of living with urinary incontinence: 'is it just part and parcel of life?'. BMC Urol 2020; 20:1. [PMID: 31941470 PMCID: PMC6964106 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-019-0555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent and affects the lives of many men and women. We aimed to conduct a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) to explore the experience of living with UI and to develop a conceptual model that can help us to understand this experience, and the potential barriers to appropriate healthcare. METHODS We used the methods of meta-ethnography developed by Noblit and Hare and recently refined for larger studies. Meta-ethnography involves identifying concepts from the studies and abstracting these concepts into a line of argument. We searched for studies that explored the experience of adults with UI. We used the GRADE-CERQual framework to assess confidence in review findings. RESULTS We screened 2307 titles, 429 abstracts, 107 full texts and included 41 studies (36 unique samples) in the synthesis. We organised the concepts into 26 conceptual categories, which we further abstracted into 6 themes: (1) Am I ill or is this normal? (2) It effects who I am and how I feel; (3) I feel stigmatised, ashamed and guilty; (4) talking can be difficult but it can help; (5) keeping incontinence under control; (6) have I got to the point that I need help? Our model conceptualises living with UI as navigating antagonists: Is UI normal or am I ill? Do I need help or am I managing? Do I keep UI to myself (and manage alone) or do I tell other people (and get the support that I need)? Do I use control strategies that focus on concealing (avoid risky situations, wear pads) versus, I use strategies that focus on improving the bodily function to improve continence. Our model highlights the experience of stigma, shame and guilt which exert a pull towards concealment. CONCLUSIONS The culture of secrecy and profound sense of shame is barrier to seeking help. An environment which reduces the shame and stigma of UI may help people to switch the focus to strategies that will improve continence, rather than conceal incontinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Toye
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7HE UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karen L. Barker
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7HE UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Benoit C, Smith M, Jansson M, Healey P, Magnuson D. Unlinking Prostitution and Sex Trafficking: Response to Commentaries. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1973-1980. [PMID: 31062124 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-1461-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Benoit
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC, V8N 5M8, Canada.
| | - Michaela Smith
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC, V8N 5M8, Canada
| | - Mikael Jansson
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, 2300 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC, V8N 5M8, Canada
| | - Priscilla Healey
- School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Doug Magnuson
- School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Hyett N, Kenny A, Dickson-Swift V. Methodology or method? A critical review of qualitative case study reports. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2014; 9:23606. [PMID: 24809980 PMCID: PMC4014658 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v9.23606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite on-going debate about credibility, and reported limitations in comparison to other approaches, case study is an increasingly popular approach among qualitative researchers. We critically analysed the methodological descriptions of published case studies. Three high-impact qualitative methods journals were searched to locate case studies published in the past 5 years; 34 were selected for analysis. Articles were categorized as health and health services (n=12), social sciences and anthropology (n=7), or methods (n=15) case studies. The articles were reviewed using an adapted version of established criteria to determine whether adequate methodological justification was present, and if study aims, methods, and reported findings were consistent with a qualitative case study approach. Findings were grouped into five themes outlining key methodological issues: case study methodology or method, case of something particular and case selection, contextually bound case study, researcher and case interactions and triangulation, and study design inconsistent with methodology reported. Improved reporting of case studies by qualitative researchers will advance the methodology for the benefit of researchers and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerida Hyett
- Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia;
| | - Amanda Kenny
- Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Virginia Dickson-Swift
- Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
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