Grant: Summer Program in Aging

The accidental leakage of urine is a common and troublesome problem for many women, especially as they age. Physical trauma endured by women during childbirth is a major risk factor in the development of the problem of involuntary urine leakage. Little is known about how Sikh women view, manage (if at all), and address the leakage of urine. Immigrant women, such as Sikh women in Canada, face additional transportation and language barriers, which can add to the challenge of accessing care for urine leakage. This study aims to conduct interviews of older Sikh women in Edmonton, Alberta, to explore how culture plays a role in shaping their attitudes and beliefs on the leakage of urine. I have taken a significant leadership role in this study as it constitutes my master's thesis, by engaging older Sikh women. The findings of this study will inform the design of a culturally sensitive self-management program on the leakage of urine for Sikh women. Additionally, our team will review the existing literature to better understand how women from diverse cultures across the world view the accidental leakage of urine, and the management of this underprioritized but distressing problem. Findings from this review will be published as a scoping review, and will inform the design of my study exploring the multifaceted nature of the leakage of urine, in Sikh women. Women often feel shame for 'wetting their pants', and may choose to suffer in silence, despite the negative impact it can have in their lives, such as an increased risk of injury from slipping, and distress from not being able to fully engage in religious prayer. Our research aims to engage a group of women (older Sikh women) who have historically not been included as partners in research studies. Our study strives to inform the design of a management program that is tailored to the needs of Sikh women, which may further inform/inspire the design of programs for women from other ethnically diverse communities.