Comfort Theory-Based Nursing Interventions in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence: Randomized Controlled Trial

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Comfort Theory-based nursing interventions on urinary incontinence (UI) severity, quality of life and comfort among women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It was hypothesised that such interventions would positively affect (H_1-1) UI scores, (H_1-2) quality of life and (H_1-3) comfort levels.

A randomised controlled design was used with 40 women (intervention 20, control 20) recruited from the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. The intervention group participated in a 6-week Comfort Theory-based program including pelvic floor-focused yoga, breathing exercises and meditation, whereas the control group received routine treatment. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL) and Urinary Incontinence and Frequency Comfort Scale.

After the intervention, ISI scores were significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] -7 to -2; Rank Biserial Correlation 0.573), indicating a greater reduction in incontinence severity among the intervention group. Behavioral Limitation and Psychological subscale scores of the I-QOL were significantly higher in the intervention group (p = 0.009, 95% CI 2-13, Rank Biserial Correlation -0.480; and p = 0.017, 95% CI 1-14, Rank Biserial Correlation -0.440). Median comfort scores were also higher in the intervention group (4.79 [4.38-5.13]) than in the control group (4.11 [3.29-4.82]).

Comfort Theory-based nursing interventions incorporating yoga, breathing and meditation decreased incontinence severity and improved quality of life and comfort among women with SUI. This holistic, low-cost approach provides a sustainable strategy for UI management.