Prevalence and Functional Impact of Urinary Incontinence in Women With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Undergoing Rehabilitation: a Cross-sectional Study
This study is investigating how many women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience bladder leaks, also known as urinary incontinence, especially while they are going through rehabilitation. COPD is a common lung condition that makes breathing difficult. The research aims to understand why bladder leaks might be more common in women with COPD, possibly due to things like chronic coughing. Importantly, the study will explore how these bladder leaks affect women's daily lives, including their physical activities, social interactions, and mental well-being. The goal is to better understand this problem to help doctors and nurses provide more tailored support and care in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You may know that COPD is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, often causing a cough and chest problems. What you might not realise is that some women with COPD also experience bladder leaks, known medically as urinary incontinence. This can happen more often due to the constant coughing that comes with COPD, which puts pressure on the bladder.
This study is looking into how common these bladder leaks are in women with COPD, particularly when they are taking part in rehabilitation programmes that help improve their breathing and overall fitness. It's really important to understand this link because bladder leaks can affect much more than just your bladder – they can make you feel less confident, stop you from doing activities you enjoy, or even make you want to avoid social situations. This can make it harder to get the full benefits from your COPD treatment and rehabilitation.
The researchers hope that by understanding this problem better, they can help doctors and nurses spot the signs of bladder leaks earlier in women with COPD. This could lead to better support and different treatment options, such as special exercises for the pelvic floor, to help women feel more comfortable and improve their quality of life. This initial study is a first step to gather information, which could then lead to further research into new ways to help.
Key takeaways
- This study is for women with COPD.
- It's about understanding bladder leaks (urinary incontinence).
- It aims to see how bladder leaks affect daily life.
- Participation will involve answering questions and a simple test.
- Being part of the study could help improve care for others in the future.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be a woman aged 45 or older. You must have a diagnosis of moderate to very severe COPD and be currently taking part in a special rehabilitation programme for your lungs. You should also be able to understand and speak French, and have health insurance.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've had surgery in your tummy or chest area in the last year, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are unable to make your own decisions about joining a study, you wouldn't be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman aged 45 or older?
- Do you have a diagnosis of moderate to very severe COPD?
- Are you currently taking part in a lung rehabilitation programme?
- Can you understand and speak French?
- Have you had fewer than 4 pregnancies?
- Have you not had surgery in your tummy or chest area in the last year?
What does participation involve?
The study is observational, meaning you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. You will be asked to complete a pad test, which involves wearing a special pad to measure any bladder leaks, and answer some questions about your health and how bladder leaks affect your daily life and cough. This will likely involve a single visit during your pulmonary rehabilitation. The total duration of your participation will be short, likely limited to the time it takes to complete the assessments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Hôpital Paris Saint JosephVerified postcodeParis, France
Common questions
What is COPD?
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, often due to damage to the lungs over many years, usually from smoking.
What does 'urinary incontinence' mean?
Urinary incontinence is the medical term for when you accidentally leak urine, or have bladder control problems. It can range from a few drops to a complete emptying of your bladder.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a special programme for people with lung conditions like COPD. It involves exercise, education, and support to help you breathe better, manage your symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study is observational, so you won't be given any new medicines or treatments. It's about gathering information, not testing new drugs.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your involvement will likely be short, possibly just a single visit to complete questionnaires and a pad test while you are attending your rehabilitation sessions.
How to find out more
Juliette COURTIADE MAHLER, phd
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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