Challenges Faced by Women With Neuromuscular Diseases When Having to Urinate Away From Home.

The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges women with neuromuscular disease face when having to urinate when away from home. The design for this study was qualitative using the interpretive description methodology and the Sense of Coherence theory. The method was three semi-structured focus group interviews with 12 women (3 ambulant and 9 non-ambulant) with neuromuscular diseases at a specialized rehabilitation hospital.

HAP-PEE: A Danish National Study of Challenges Related to Urinating When Away from Home in Women with Neuromuscular Diseases, Impact on Activity and Participation and Prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Background: Little is known about the challenges faced by women with a neuromuscular disease (NMD) when having to go to the toilet in other places than home; a topic that is highly important for participation and bladder health.

Objective: The aim was to investigate whether women with NMD have problems in going to the toilet when not at home, the problems' impact on their social activities, education, and working life, which strategies they use to manage the problems, and the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods: A national survey containing questions on type of NMD, mobility, impacts on social activities, education, working life, and bladder health was developed by women with NMD and researchers.