The purpose of this study is to assess the increase in knowledge of pregnant patients regarding pelvic floor disorders when comparing two educational interventions: written handouts vs interactive workshops.
Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common and significantly affect the quality of life of many women as they age. Pregnancy has been identified as a major risk factor for developing PFDs later in life. Educating women about PFDs is essential to ensuring that they present to care in a timely manner. No study has investigated different education tools during pregnancy. The proposed study is a randomized controlled trial in pregnant patients comparing two educational tools: written materials about PFDs versus an educational workshops led by pelvic floor physical therapists (PFPTs). Pregnant patients will be recruited in the first and second trimester and randomized at that time. Knowledge will be assessed at baseline and again 6 weeks postpartum using the validated Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will be evaluating referral patterns to urogynecology and to PFPTs from general OBGYNs and assessing any pelvic floor symptoms with the pelvic floor disability index (PFDI-20) at baseline and at 6 weeks postpartum.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
120
The written materials were generated using the collaboration of healthcare communication specialists to generate content that is tailored to a younger age demographic of childbearing age regarding their risk of developing a pelvic floor disorder and what can be done to prevent or treat them in the future.
Participants logged onto a virtual meeting platform and listened to a live 20 minute presentation by a pelvic floor physical therapist followed by time for questions, which were answered live. Participants anonymity was maintained by not allowing participants to view each other's name and disabling sharing of video feeds.
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas, United States
Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ)
Validated 24 question questionnaire with two sections to test knowledge on pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Scored out of 24 with higher scores indicating an increase in knowledge. Minimum value: 0, Maximum value: 24. Higher scores mean better outcome. Lower scores mean worse outcome. This was administrated at time of recruitment and again at 6 weeks postpartum.
Time frame: < 5 minutes
Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20)
Validated questionnaire measuring presence and degree of both of pelvic floor disorder symptoms. Three sub sections with a possible score of 100 for each sub section. Scaled score is a combination of the 3 sub section scores for a total possible score of 300. Higher scores indicates increased symptom bother. Minimum value: 0, Maximum value: 300. Higher scores mean better outcome. Lower scores mean worse outcome. This was administrated at time of recruitment and again at 6 weeks postpartum.
Time frame: < 5 minutes
Phone Interview
One-on-one phone interviews conducted with participants in the workshop education group who experienced both educational tools. A research team member called them after completion of the study and conducted a brief 3 question interview to understand their opinion of the educational tools.
Time frame: < 10 minutes
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.