A scoping review exploring stigma associated with postpartum urinary incontinence.

Area of Science:

• Women's Health
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Postpartum urinary incontinence (UI) is common, but many women do not seek help.
• Health-related stigma, a barrier to care, may be linked to postpartum UI.
• This review examines the association between postpartum UI stigma and health-seeking behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine and summarize the existing literature on stigma associated with postpartum UI.
• To identify the sources and implications of postpartum UI stigma.
• To inform future research and interventions aimed at mitigating stigma.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA extension guidelines.
• Keywords 'Postpartum,' 'Urinary Incontinence,' and 'Stigma' were used across multiple databases.
• Included studies of all designs that investigated postpartum UI stigma and its effects.

Main Results:

• Twelve studies were included, primarily using questionnaires and interviews.
• Stigma originated from community norms and self-directed stereotypes.
• UI stigma resulted in negative emotions like shame and embarrassment, deterring healthcare seeking.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum UI stigma is a significant issue impacting women's willingness to seek care.
• Lived experiences of stigma must be understood to develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Future research should focus on purposeful assessment of postpartum UI stigma to improve care quality.