Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a serious medical and social problem for about one-third of women in the world population. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of women. Despite significant improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of this illness, women continue to struggle with the stigma associated with incontinence. Research conducted in the last few years shows the importance of social support in respect of the illness.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine how people perceive the disease and the influence of social support to deal with UI.

Materials and Methods: The study involved 200 women in the age range of 34-78 with a diagnosis of incontinence. All women agreed to fill out an anonymous questionnaire, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Disease-Related Social Support Scale (DSRSS). The obtained results were subject to statistical analysis.

Results: The greater the social support, the lesser the tendencies to judge the condition in terms of harm. Material support among respondents makes it easier for them to distance themselves from UI. Women having a sense of spiritual, emotional, and global support information found it easier to come in terms with UI.

Conclusion: There is a relationship between the perception of disease for women, and social support received by women. Awareness of the availability support in disease allows peaceful thinking about a situation as difficult as UI.

Keywords: Aging women, overactive bladder, quality of life, social support, urinary incontinence, the acceptance of disease.