title: Women's experiences of internet-based or postal treatment for stress urinary incontinence.
abstract: Stress urinary incontinence is common and sometimes embarrassing. New, simple, and easily accessible treatments are needed. We telephone interviewed 21 women who participated in a randomized controlled study comparing two treatment programs based on instructions for pelvic floor muscle training. One program was Internet-based and included email support by a urotherapist; the other was sent by post. There was no face-to-face contact in either program. Our main aim was to explore the women's experiences of the Internet-based treatment. Grounded theory analysis revealed three categories: hidden but present, at a distance but close, and by myself but not alone. These were incorporated in a core category: acknowledged but not exposed. The leakage was often a well-hidden secret, but the study treatments lowered the barrier for seeking care. In the Internet group, a supportive patient-provider relationship developed despite the lack of face-to-face contact. Internet-based treatment programs can increase access to care and empower women.
authors.affiliation: 1Sundsvall Hospital, Sundsvall, Sweden.
authors.forename: Anna-Bell
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Björk
authors.forename: Malin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sjöström
authors.forename: Eva E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Samuelsson
authors.forename: Göran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Umefjord
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D011177:Postal Service; D013548:Sweden; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Internet; grounded theory; health seeking; interviews; relationships; self-care; women’s health