A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on stress urinary incontinence in women for the development of a Core Outcome Set: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE Given the high variation of perceptions of women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), qualitative meta-synthesis in this field appears warranted. We aimed to synthesize evidence on women's experiences of SUI by analysing qualitative data. METHODS A literature search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo and CINAHL databases was performed by a CHORUS Working Group, from inception to August 2020. Qualitative studies on women's perspectives on SUI were included. Thematic analysis was used as a conceptual approach to analyse the data and develop a set of overarching themes. The quality of studies was assessed based on Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. RESULTS Seven studies were included. Six themes encompassing womens' perspectives on SUI emerged: experiencing SUI, awareness of SUI, treatments for SUI, sexuality, communication, psychosocial effects. The quality appraisal of the studies showed good coherence. CONCLUSION This study revealed six overarching themes, of which treatment had the highest prevalence. Assessment of womens' perceptions of SUI in the context of a qualitative meta-synthesis may inform policy and practice around this condition, may guide and help set research priorities and will ideally contribute to the development of a Core Outcome Set for SUI.