Keywords

nursing agency, self-care agency, self-care deficit theory of nursing, self-objectification, structural equation modeling, treatment seeking for urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence

Authors

1. Hines, Sandra H. PhD
2. Sampselle, Carolyn M. PhD
3. Ronis, David L. PhD
4. Yeo, SeonAe PhD
5. Fredrickson, Barbara L. PhD
6. Boyd, Carol J. PhD

Abstract

Background: Women with urinary incontinence (UI) report that the disease negatively impacts their quality of life but, paradoxically, underreport symptoms.

Method: A predictive model using Orem's self-care deficit theory was developed exploring the effect of body experience on self-care agency to manage UI. A sample of postmenopausal women was drawn from a larger trial. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model.

Results: Minor modification of the model produced a well-fitting model ([chi]²(9) = 3.20, P = .96, n = 235). Results supported the positive effect of nursing agency on self-care agency.

Conclusion: Group education about UI may increase self-care agency in postmenopausal women.