Table 5 translation of ideas across QES

Mendes & Colleague s[26]: Cultural and religious backgrounds and personal reluctance contribute to delays in seeking UI treatment

I don’t want to ask for professional help. There is no opportunity to share my problems with a HCP, I want to deal with it without professional help, I don’t have a clear physical symptom; I don’t want to find out that I have something serious; God will cure me; he won’t let me suffer. It’s not serious; other things are more important

YES

YES

Mendes & Colleague s[26]: The inevitable and regrettable problem of UI endured silently and alone affects women’s daily activities and their social roles

I regret having UI; but other people have it too. My daily life is affected. I avoid thing that I used to do; I don’t go to RE and social gatherings as much now I silently endure the loneliness. I can’t go out because I need the loo all the time. I worry about what others will think and keep it a secret.

YES

YES

YES

YES

Mendes & Colleague s[26]: Poor knowledge and the vague nature of the symptoms mask the fact that UI is a disease

UI is a vague condition that we don’t know much about. The symptoms are vague. It is not recognised as a disease. We don’t talk about it so people don’t know about it.

YES

Mendes & Colleagues [26]: The experiences provoked by UI and the sense of shame regarding the condition have impaired women’s lives

UI makes me anxious, distressed. It carries a stigma. It is so embarrassing and humiliating when I leak in public. I feel depressed and hopeless and have low self-esteem because I can’t do the things that I used to do and I can’t do much to help myself. It is an emotional experience. I am ashamed

YES

YES

Mendes & Colleague s[26]: UI has provoked negative effects on women’s intimacy and sexual satisfaction and provoked changes in the way they experience their sexuality and sexual function

I feel fear, shame, blame and guilt. It has affected intimacy and my sexual satisfaction.

YES

YES

Mendes & Colleague s[26]: UI is considered a consequence of pregnancy and childbirth, inherent to aging or a religious punishment

UI is a natural result of pregnancy and childbirth. It is part of ageing. It is a punishment and I must just accept it.

YES

Mendes & Colleague s[26]: The women affected by UI adopt several strategies to improve their health status

I try and learn things so that I can control the consequences of UI. I seek professional help. I try and keep it under control; I manage using various strategies

YES

YES

Mendes & Colleague s[26]: Women have personal preferences towards care providers and treatments; they confront difficulties through UI treatment and some care needs are not met’

My health needs are not being met. Doctors lack interest. I am not being taken seriously. There are language barriers; there is no medical diagnosis or plan. It is difficult to understand /adhere to treatments prescribed. I prefer a female Hcp; I prefer my own family to translate or at least someone of my own ethnicity

YES

Siddiqui and Colleagues [25]: UI management

I need to adhere to strict routines and strategies to manage UI. I need to make plans for being in public, including knowing where toilets are.

It is only a minor, it is normal so I don’t seek treatment.

It is difficult to communicate with the dr. they don’t take it seriously. They need to talk more clearly. I would prefer to see a woman

YES

YES

YES

Siddiqui and Colleagues [25]: UI experience

I feel fear, stigmatization, and shame. I worry what people think. I feel disgusting.

YES

YES