From the Core to the Floor—Utilizing a Webinar to Provide Pelvic Health Education

Abstract

Background: Childbirth can increase the risk of urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse; however, research indicates postpartum women have limited knowledge of these conditions. Objectives: (1) To determine whether a webinar can improve postpartum women's knowledge related to the structures, functions, muscles, and strengthening of the pelvic floor and (2) to explore changes in perception of postpartum women's understanding of the core/pelvic floor and their role in urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: Women who had given birth within the last year and were older than 19 years were recruited via social media. Women completed a demographic survey, Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ), and a telephonic interview before and after viewing a 1-time online webinar produced by a Women's Health Physical Therapy (DPT) Resident. Survey data were analyzed via independent t tests. Qualitative data were analyzed via a latent content recurrent cross-sectional analysis. Results: A total of 16 women participated in this study. There were significant improvements in pre- versus postwebinar. Specific to qualitative findings, the main knowledge changes seen from pre- to postwebinar interviews included greater awareness of specific exercises with proper progression and sequencing, improved descriptions of UI and POP, and improved cuing of a Kegel. Conclusion: A pelvic health education webinar can result in improvements in pelvic health knowledge. More research is needed to determine whether this increase in knowledge translates to a greater likelihood to engage in pelvic floor strengthening exercises and ultimately whether it reduces pelvic floor dysfunction.