Knowledge gaps with respect to pelvic floor dysfunction in young nulliparous females: a qualitative study

Author(s): L. MacIsaac & L. Berry - Pages: 61-71

Abstract

Knowledge of the pelvic floor and its potential dysfunctions is an important part of pelvic health. However, the few studies that have been done of nulliparous women have found that their understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is poor. The aim of this study was to ascertain how young nulliparous females learned about PFD, and identify any specific gaps in their knowledge. A sample of 53 nulliparous females aged from 18 to 27 years were recruited to this qualitative study.
A 14-item online survey was used that was comprised of short-answer questions pertaining to knowledge of the pelvic floor. The study found that the participants had an adequate understanding of urinary incontinence (UI), and 81% were able to identify UI as a bladder-related form of PFD. However, there was a lack of knowledge of other types of PFD, as demonstrated by 89%, 46% and 66% of respondents having a poor understanding of pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction and sexual functioning, respectively. The main gaps in the women’s knowledge of PFD
were: (1) recognition of symptoms; (2) risk factors; (3) treatment and normalization of UI; and (4) female sexual pleasure. These gaps must be addressed in future education for young nulliparous females. Suggested solutions include increasing pelvic-health-specific education at the age of 12–15 years, and ensuring that there is adequate signposting to accessible healthcare services.
Keywords: nulliparous, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, qualitative study, urinary incontinence.

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