Increasing access to pelvic health education for women in underserved communities: a mixed-methods study.

Abstract

It is essential to provide the community with evidenced-based care to optimize healthcare outcomes; more specifically, women in underserved communities with limited access to healthcare services. The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a single virtual movement-based pelvic health education session on women's pelvic health knowledge, adherence to performing pelvic exercises and confidence in performing the exercises. Forty-two female participants were recruited in Western Arkansas. Participants completed an online pre-session (pre) questionnaire and then received a single virtual education session led by a healthcare provider trained in pelvic health. A post-session (post-1) questionnaire was completed by each participant as well as a 1-month follow-up (post-2) questionnaire. Thirty-five women completed all three questionnaires and pelvic health knowledge, adherence to pelvic floor exercises and confidence in performing pelvic floor exercises were assessed. After the participants completed the post-2 questionnaire, they were invited for a semi-structured interview and 13 women participated. Results of this study suggest pelvic health knowledge increased after a single session of movement-based education, and this was retained 1 month later. Adherence and confidence to perform the exercises did not change; however, learning about pelvic health in a virtual movement-based method was a positive experience and initiated an eagerness to learn more about pelvic health. Pelvic health education can be implemented in a virtual approach to engage women in underserved communities to learn more about pelvic health through a positive experience for an educational baseline to gain healthcare autonomy.