The adaptation states of women with urinary incontinence according to the Roy Adaptation Model: A qualitative study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore experiences of women with urinary incontinence (UI) according to the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM). A phenomenological design was used in this study, and its conceptual framework was formed by the RAM. The sample was composed of 12 women with UI.Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted according to data collection tools. Semi-structured interviews were recorded in audio-recording device. Thematic approach was used to assess the data. The average age of the women was 52.77 ± 7.32 years, seven women had menopause, eight had vaginal birth. According to the thematic approach, four main themes emerged: physiological mode, self-esteem mode, role function mode, and interdependence mode and they had difficulties in this regard. The results show that women cannot adapt to the problem of incontinence according to the dimensions of RAM. These factors are important to consider when developing strategies to address UI, diagnosis, and treatment.