Determinants in the process of seeking help for urinary incontinence in the Chilean health system

Objective: To analyze via the Andersen model what leads women with urinary incontinence (UI) to seek help and remain in the healthcare system. Methods: An interpretative phenomenologic study enrolling women aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with UI at a tertiary care hospital in Chile between January and March 2016. Data were collected by semi-structured interview. The categories explored experience with UI and reasons for seeking health care, and included the dimensions of the Andersen model. Results: Ten women were enrolled. Characteristics that eased or hindered healthcare seeking were identified to come from the women (frequency and quantity of symptoms, coping strategies, and beliefs about its causes) and from their environment (reaction of partner, family, or coworkers to her condition). Some were associated with primary care (human and/or technical resources) and some with secondary care (pelvic floor units). Conclusion: The results reflect the complexities of asking for health care for women with UI, especially in a country such as Chile with different healthcare levels. Raising awareness of this complexity and developing an approach that includes all stakeholders (institution, community, and family) is crucial for professionals who want to offer both medical therapy and wellness-focused healthcare.