Show simple item record

dc.contributor.authorTinetti, A.
dc.contributor.authorWeir, N.
dc.contributor.authorTangyotkajohn, U.
dc.contributor.authorJacques, Angela
dc.contributor.authorThompson, Judith
dc.contributor.authorBriffa, K.
dc.date.accessioned2018-05-18T08:00:05Z
dc.date.available2018-05-18T08:00:05Z
dc.date.created2018-05-18T00:23:15Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.identifier.citationTinetti, A. and Weir, N. and Tangyotkajohn, U. and Jacques, A. and Thompson, J. and Briffa, K. 2018. Help-seeking behaviour for pelvic floor dysfunction in women over 55: drivers and barriers. International Urogynecology Journal.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/67897
dc.identifier.doi10.1007/s00192-018-3618-2
dc.description.abstract

Objective: Our aim was to identify drivers of and barriers to help-seeking behaviour of older women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) living independently in Australia . Methods: Women aged =55 years were recruited to this cross-sectional study during July and August 2016. Bladder, bowel, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and sexual dysfunction were assessed with the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ). Drivers and barriers were based on the Barriers to Incontinence Care Seeking Questionnaire. Univariate analyses were used to assess any significant relationships between PFD, age, education level, self-reported PFD, barriers and drivers. Results: Of the 376 study participants [mean, standard deviation (SD) age 68.6 (10.5) years], 67% reported symptoms of PFD and 98.7% scored > 0 on the APFQ. Women were more likely to seek help if they scored higher on the APFQ (p < 0.001). The main barrier to seeking help was the perception that PFD was a normal part of ageing (22.4%). Of those who did seek help (50%), the main factor was increased level of symptom bother (51.4%). There was no difference in age or education level between women who did and did not seek help. Conclusion: Women are more likely to seek help for PFD if scoring higher on the APFQ or symptoms are becoming more bothersome. They are less likely to seek help if they view their symptoms as normal. Future direction should be taken to raise awareness of normal pelvic floor function as well as the availability of help for PFD.

dc.publisherSpringer U K
dc.titleHelp-seeking behaviour for pelvic floor dysfunction in women over 55: drivers and barriers
dc.typeJournal Article
dcterms.source.startPage1
dcterms.source.endPage9
dcterms.source.issn0937-3462
dcterms.source.titleInternational Urogynecology Journal
curtin.note

The final publication is available at Springer via 10.1007/s00192-018-3618-2

curtin.departmentSchool of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science
curtin.accessStatusOpen access


Files in this item

Thumbnail

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record