Exploring the Hidden Struggles: A Qualitative Insight into Urinary Incontinence Among Prostate Cancer Survivors Post-Surgery

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges of prostate cancer patients suffering from urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was employed. Purposeful sampling was used to select 22 prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and experienced urinary incontinence after surgery. These patients were interviewed between August to October 2023 at a tertiary B-grade hospital's pelvic floor center in Shanghai. The data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis to identify and refine themes.

Results: The experiences of urinary incontinence in patients can be categorized into four main themes: (1) Daily life disturbances (including 4 sub-themes: sleep disorders, fluid intake restriction, travel inconvenience, loss of sexual life); (2) Negative emotional experiences (including 4 sub-themes: perceived discrimination, concerns about recovery, loss of confidence in life, doubts about the surgical decision); (3) Social withdrawal (including 2 sub-themes: reduced desire for social interaction, decreased ability to socialize); (4) Limited support obtained (including 4 sub-themes: reliance on personal experience, seeking help from relatives and friends, difficulty discerning online information, lack of professional guidance).

Conclusion: Postoperative urinary incontinence in prostate cancer patients presents a multidimensional experience. Healthcare professionals need to pay attention to these patients' daily life, psychological state, and social interactions. Integrating various resources to provide professional support and rehabilitation guidance is crucial.

Keywords: patient experience; prostate cancer; qualitative research; radical prostatectomy; urinary incontinence.