E-Posters-Perceptions of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Community Dwelling Women in the United States

Perceptions of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Community Dwelling Women in the United States - Jennifer Vardeman, MD

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of community-dwelling women in the United States towards pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The study included women with and without PFDs. The primary outcome was to understand how women perceive current or future PFDs, while the secondary outcome was to determine how women decide on a treatment for their PFDs.<br /><br />The study found that women below the age of 50 without PFDs often did not consider PFDs to be a health concern and viewed it as something that only affected older women. They were less likely to seek help for PFDs if it was inconvenient and saw it as something that other women were embarrassed about. These women expressed a desire for doctors to provide more education about PFDs.<br /><br />Women below the age of 50 with PFDs did not name their PFDs as a health concern and approached the issue in a lighthearted manner. They were more inclined to talk to others about their PFDs compared to older women. These women also expressed a desire for more education from doctors.<br /><br />Women above the age of 50 without PFDs were difficult to recruit for the study. They viewed PFDs as embarrassing and taboo, and believed it to be an issue related to menopause. They expressed a desire for doctors to provide more education about PFDs.<br /><br />Women above the age of 50 with PFDs often did not seek treatment until it became urgent. They were frustrated with the lack of information and taboos surrounding PFDs. They distrusted male doctors when it came to caring for their PFDs and wanted doctors to educate them more.<br /><br />The study also found that treatment preferences did not vary based on age or PFD status. Women in all groups chose treatments based on personal factors such as time, income, convenience/ease-of-use, and perceived efficacy. Those who had PFD surgery expressed a wish for more conservative treatment options.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study highlighted the need for more education about PFDs, preventative measures, and treatment options for women below the age of 50. It also emphasized the importance of doctor-patient communication and called for efforts to improve knowledge about PFDs among healthcare professionals who do not specialize in urogynecology.

Keywords

PFDs

health concern

education

doctors

taboo

age

treatment preferences

surgery

doctor-patient communication

healthcare professionals