Fawcett, Lubayna

Abstract This study explores the prevalence of urinary incontinence among multi-ethnic refugee women and their comfort levels in discussing this topic with their healthcare providers. Between July and November 2021, 58 refugee women were recruited within community spaces using convenience sampling and word-of-mouth. They completed a 20-item questionnaire in Arabic, Burmese, Swahili, or Somali. Urinary incontinence was identified by an affirmative response to any of the 6-item Urogenital Distress Inventory questions or the report of at least one episode of stress or urgency incontinence per month. The observed prevalence of urinary incontinence in this cohort was 50%. Despite 59.6% of participants expressing comfort in discussing these symptoms, 82.8% of them revealed that they had never spoken with a healthcare provider about them. Moreover, 77.6% of these women reported never being queried about these symptoms by a healthcare professional. Based on these results, urinary incontinence is notably prevalent among refugee women, either surpassing or at least aligning with the prevalence observed in the general female population. Healthcare professionals serving refugee women should consider incorporating screening for this condition into routine office visits. Notably, the limited sample size of this study underscores the necessity for further research on this subject.

Background: Disparities in diversity, equity and inclusivity are endemic in American society, and in the United States (US) healthcare system. As US population diversity increases, physical therapists (PTs) must be able to provide equitable care for all people, regardless of their cultural or personal identity. Culturally-humble Hospice and palliative Care (HPC) PT practice, with vigilant awareness of cultural complexities and commitment to approaching cultural understanding with humility, is essential to provide optimal end of life care for all persons. Purpose: This Perspective paper will 1) provide an overview of the role of PT in HPC, 2) describe culturally-related disparities in HPC, and 3) suggest evidence-based strategies for cultural humility in HPC PT best practice. Specific challenges in the delivery of culturally-humble end of life care will be discussed, including advanced care planning, truth telling, and death beliefs/practices.