E-Posters-Two-Phased Validation of the Pelvic Floor Awareness and Knowledge Survey (PFAKS)

Two-Phased Validation of the Pelvic Floor Awareness and Knowledge Survey (PFAKS) - Melissa A Markowitz, BA

Pdf Summary

The study aimed to develop and validate the Pelvic Floor Awareness and Knowledge Survey (PFAKS), a questionnaire on pelvic floor disorders (PFD) such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). The PFAKS was designed to address patient misconceptions about the diagnosis and management of PFD. <br /><br />The results showed that the PFAKS was well received by participants, with cognitive interview participants agreeing that it elicited more questions than the existing Prolapse & Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ). Experts within urology also agreed that the PFAKS was a more accurate assessment of knowledge. <br /><br />In the pilot survey administration, women with OAB scored significantly higher on the OAB-specific questions of the PFAKS compared to women without OAB. Postmenopausal women also scored significantly higher on the PFAKS compared to premenopausal women. These findings suggest that the PFAKS is a valid tool to assess knowledge about PFD, as the higher scores in these groups align with expectations based on their experiences and counseling on these disorders. <br /><br />The conclusions of the study highlight the discriminant validity and qualitative advantages of the PFAKS in uncovering patient knowledge and misconceptions about PFD. The next steps include expanding the survey administration to additional women with OAB and other pelvic floor disorders, including SUI and different stages of POP. <br /><br />Overall, the PFAKS shows promise as a tool to assess patient knowledge and misconceptions about PFD and may contribute to improved patient involvement and compliance with treatment.

Keywords

PFAKS

pelvic floor disorders

PFD

POP

SUI

OAB

patient misconceptions

knowledge assessment

cognitive interview

discriminant validity