Prevalence and predictors of help-seeking behavior among post-partum women with urinary incontinence in China and Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey based on Andersen Help-Seeking Model.

INTRODUCTION

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition among post-partum women, and it can significantly affect their physical and psychosocial well-being. Therefore, it's crucial for post-partum women to discuss any UI symptoms they may be experiencing with their healthcare provider and seek appropriate treatment.

PURPOSE

To investigate what leads post-partum women with UI to seek help in China and Indonesia based on the Andersen Help-Seeking Model.

METHODS

A cross-sectional digital survey among post-partum women (6 weeks to 1 year) was conducted from May to November 2021 in China and Indonesia. The survey contents included: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) social support, (3) health care needs, (4) capacity and resources. For analysis, descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests were used to determine the differences between help-seeking and non-help-seeking women with UI, and logistic regression analysis and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the predictors of heal-seeking behavior in post-partum women with UI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of UI was 25 % (215/868) and 31 % (187/605) among post-partum women in China and Indonesia. Among post-partum women with UI, the help-seeking rate was 46 % (98/215) and 52 % (98/187) in China and Indonesia. Incontinence quality of Life, support from women of the family (Yes), knowing the available department for UI (Yes), current knowledge of UI and the current status of UI were independent risk factors for China (P<0.05). Support from husband (Yes), being asked about UI by a doctor (Yes) and the current status of UI were independent risk factors for Indonesia. The obtained area under ROC curve (AUC) for the model were 0.884 and 0.935 in China and Indonesia.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of UI and the rate of seeking help for UI in Indonesia were higher than those in China. Social support, needs and the availability of resources and organizational support to assist patients in their help-seeking efforts, were the main predictors affecting help-seeking behavior among post-partum women with UI.