Why Do Women Not Use the Bathroom? Women’s Attitudes and Beliefs on Using Public Restrooms

Siobhan M. Hartigan, Kemberlee Bonnet, Leah Chisholm, Casey Kowalik, Roger R. Dmochowski, David Schlundt and W. Stuart Reynolds
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Siobhan M. Hartigan: Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
Kemberlee Bonnet: Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
Leah Chisholm: Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
Casey Kowalik: Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Roger R. Dmochowski: Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
David Schlundt: Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
W. Stuart Reynolds: Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: There are a variety of factors and influences, both internal and external, that may impact an individual’s public toileting experience and may ultimately have repercussions for bladder health. This study sought to identify predominant constructs underlying a women’s attitude towards using restrooms at work, at school, and in public in order to develop a conceptual model incorporating these themes. We performed a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional, survey-based study that included open-ended questions about limitations to restroom use using a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data coding and analysis was performed on 12,583 quotes and, using an iterative inductive-deductive approach, was used to construct the conceptual framework. Our conceptual framework reveals a complicated interplay of personal contexts, situational influences, and behavioral strategies used by women to manage their bladder and bowel habits away from home. These findings can inform future research and public policy related to bladder health awareness related to toilet access in the workplace and in public.

Keywords: bladder health; lower urinary tract symptoms; restrooms; women’s health; qualitative research; bowel health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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