E-Posters-Women's Knowledge About Vaginal Pessary

Women's Knowledge About Vaginal Pessary - Camila TM Vasconcelos, PhD

Pdf Summary

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on women's knowledge about vaginal pessary use. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and searched multiple databases without any language or time restrictions. Studies that focused on pessaries used for preterm labor prevention, case studies, and opinion articles were excluded. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists, and data were extracted using the JBI Data Extraction Form.<br /><br />The majority of the studies evaluated knowledge using the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ), which included one question specifically targeting pessary use for pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Two studies investigated knowledge disparities among different ethnicities. One study found that white women had a higher level of knowledge about pessary compared to African Americans and other races. However, the second study did not find any differences between white and nonwhite women's knowledge about pessary.<br /><br />One study found that conducting the consultation along with an educational intervention, such as providing a patient brochure, improved women's knowledge about pessary use and complications. Overall, most women had lower scores of knowledge regarding pessary, except for those who were seen in follow-up in urogynecologic clinics. The main source of information for female patients was their healthcare providers. Visiting a Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) specialist and having a higher educational level were associated with adequate knowledge about pessary.<br /><br />In conclusion, this systematic review included nine papers, primarily cross-sectional and validation studies. There were gaps in women's knowledge about pessary, and further research on this topic could help identify barriers and preferences and lead to the development of educational strategies and improved counseling for professionals.

Keywords

systematic review

women's knowledge

vaginal pessary use

PRISMA guidelines

knowledge disparities

educational intervention

complications

urogynecologic clinics

healthcare providers

adequate knowledge