Women’s Pelvic Floor Knowledge and Information Preferences: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Research shows Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) knowledge differ among women. However, differences between countries or whether women were members of the ethnic majority or minority of their country (ethnic dominance) were not accounted for. Additionally, there is limited understanding of women’s interests in, and preferences for learning about pelvic floor health. 

Aims: This study aimed to address these gaps and understand how to tailor pelvic floor health information according to ethnicity and ethnic dominance.

 Methods: An online cross-sectional survey consisting of 40 questions was completed by 712 women aged between 18–72 years (mean=35.34). Two-way ANOVAs were used to examine differences in PFD knowledge and interest in learning about pelvic floor health between white and non-white women from ethnic majority and minority groups. 

Results: There were statistically significant interaction effects between white and non-white women, and ethnic majority and minority groups in PFD knowledge (p<0.041). White ethnic majority women scored higher than white ethnic minority women, in contrast, non-white ethnic majority women scored lower than non-white ethnic minority women. Women were very interested in learning about pelvic floor health (mean=80.41) and preferred to do so via websites (89.61%), health professionals (82.87%), hardcopy materials (53.09%) and social networking sites (52.95%). 

Conclusions: Women in white dominant countries have better PFD knowledge than women in non-white dominant countries. All women surveyed were interested in learning about pelvic floor health. Efforts for information outreach via various online and offline platforms preferred by women are needed to encourage learning of common PFDs.