Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Barriers and Enablers to Accessing Medical Care for Urinary Incontinence and Prolapse in GLobal Majority Women

This project aims to understand why women from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK might face difficulties when trying to get medical help for bladder leakage and pelvic organ prolapse. These are common and sometimes embarrassing conditions, but many women don't seek treatment. Researchers want to identify common barriers, like language difficulties, cultural beliefs, or not knowing where to go for help. They also want to learn what might make it easier for women to get support. The study involves surveys, interviews, and a creative activity called 'zine making' to gather different experiences. The goal is to improve access to care for all women affected by these conditions.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

160

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Pelvic Prolapse Conditions

What is this study about?

Many women experience bladder leakage (urinary incontinence) or when their pelvic organs, like the bladder or womb, drop down (pelvic organ prolapse). While these conditions are common, some women find it hard to get help. This study focuses on women from ethnic minority backgrounds, often referred to as Global Majority women, in the UK.

The main goal is to understand what stops these women from seeking medical care for these conditions and what might encourage them to get the help they need. This could include exploring things like language barriers, cultural views on these conditions, awareness of available treatments, or even trust in healthcare services. By understanding these challenges, researchers hope to find ways to make it easier for more women to access support.

The study will collect information in a few different ways. Some women will fill out questionnaires about their experiences and knowledge. Others will have interviews or group discussions to share their personal stories. There's also a creative part where women can make small, homemade booklets called 'zines' to express their feelings and experiences, especially for those who might prefer to communicate in a different way or find it hard to talk openly.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why some women find it hard to get help for bladder leakage and prolapse.
Specifically focuses on women from ethnic minority (Global Majority) backgrounds.
Involves answering questionnaires, sharing experiences in interviews or groups, or making creative 'zines'.
No medical treatments or interventions are part of this study.
Your privacy and choices are respected; you can stop participating at any time.
Could help improve how healthcare services are offered to women in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women to take part who are 18 years old or older. You must have been born female and still identify as a woman. A key part of this study is that you need to be from an ethnic minority background.

There are two main groups of women they are looking for. One group includes women who have already been to Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) for help with bladder leakage or pelvic organ prolapse. For this group, you need to be able to speak and understand English.

The second group is for women who attend certain community centres in the Greater Manchester area. For this group, you also need to be from an ethnic minority background, and be able to speak and understand English, OR a language that the community group’s translator can use.

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 18 years old or older?
Were you born female and do you currently identify as female?
Are you from an ethnic minority background?
Have you sought medical care for bladder leakage or prolapse, OR do you attend a specific community centre in Greater Manchester?
Can you speak and understand English, or a language that a community group translator can use?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study doesn't involve any medical treatments or taking new medicines. Your participation will mainly involve sharing your experiences and opinions. Depending on which part of the study you join, this could mean filling out some questionnaires, which ask about your knowledge, your symptoms, and any difficulties you've faced trying to get care. Some women might be asked to take part in an interview or a group discussion, where you'd talk about your experiences with bladder leakage or prolapse and what helped or hindered you in seeking treatment. For others, there's a creative activity called 'zine making'. This involves making a small, self-published booklet to share your story in a visual and written way. The researchers will explain exactly what's involved for you, and you won't need to do all of these things. The total time commitment will vary depending on which activity you take part in, but it won't involve long-term follow-up or multiple hospital visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand the challenges women face when trying to get help for bladder leakage and prolapse. This might lead to improvements in how these services are offered, which could benefit many other women in the future. As this study mainly involves sharing your experiences, the risks are generally low. However, you might find discussing personal health issues uncomfortable, but you won't be made to talk about anything you don't want to. You are completely free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect any medical care you currently receive or might need in the future.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are 'bladder leakage' and 'prolapse'?

Bladder leakage (urinary incontinence) means accidentally passing urine. Prolapse is when organs like the womb or bladder drop down into the vagina.

Why is this study focusing on women from ethnic minority backgrounds?

Researchers believe women from these backgrounds might face unique challenges in getting care, and they want to understand and address these specific barriers.

Do I have to speak English to take part?

If you're attending a community group, you can participate if you speak English or another language that the group's translator can use. If you've been referred to MFT, you need to speak English.

Will I get any treatment if I join this study?

No, this study is about understanding experiences, not providing treatment. It doesn't involve any medical interventions or new medications.

What is 'zine making'?

Zine making is a creative way to share your story by making a small, handmade booklet. It lets you express your experiences in a personal and visual way.

How to find out more

Stuart Ingram, MsC

stuart.ingram@mft.nhs.uk 0161 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.