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

• Main Authors: Siobhan M. Hartigan, Kemberlee Bonnet, Leah Chisholm, Casey Kowalik, Roger R. Dmochowski, David Schlundt, W. Stuart Reynolds
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: bladder health; lower urinary tract symptoms; restrooms; women’s health; qualitative research; bowel health
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/6/2053

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.