BEAM-UP and GLOW
Barriers and Enablers to Accessing Medical care for Urinary incontinence and Prolapse in GLobal majority Women
- Hospital – Speciality: St Mary’s Hospital – Gynaecology (Urogynaecology)
- Study type: Observational study using quantitative, qualitative and creative methods
- Funder: Burdett Trust for Nursing
Summary
Many women in the UK experience problems like urinary leakage and pelvic organ prolapse, but most don’t seek medical help. For example, nearly half of women report leaking urine, yet over half of those who leak daily haven’t asked for treatment. Similarly, while about half of women show signs of prolapse when examined, only a small number seek care. This may be an even bigger issue for women from ethnic minority backgrounds. Research shows they face extra challenges when trying to access healthcare.
To better understand why this happens, the project will explore how ethnicity influences women’s feelings about reporting these symptoms and seeking treatment. The study will involve two groups:
1) Women from ethnic minority backgrounds who are already attending the urogynaecology clinic will be interviewed about whether they faced challenges in seeking care and if so, how they overcame them.
2) Women in the community who have not sought help for these conditions to understand their knowledge of and perceived barriers to getting treatment for urinary incontinence and prolapse.
By listening to women’s experiences, the project hopes to identify ways to improve access to care and facilitate more women from all backgrounds to get the support they need for pelvic floor problems.
Participant group
- Women from ethnic minority backgrounds who have accessed medical care for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse at MFT
- Women from ethnic minority/global majority backgrounds attending community groups
Participant approach
The study will be introduced to women attending the Warrell Unit at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust with a diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence. A study information pack will be sent to potentially eligible participants prior to their appointment. A poster containing information about being interviewed will also be displayed in the waiting areas for the urogynaecology department.
The research will be introduced to women via community group leaders/facilitators at the collaborating organisation. Posters will be displayed within the community group settings.
Study open date and expected length
Opened: January 2025
Expected end date: January 2026
Results
Pending – this study is still active.
Contact details
Email address: lucy.dwyer@mft.nhs.uk
- IRAS number: 360534
