title: Knowledge of pelvic floor problems: a study of third trimester, primiparous women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pelvic floor problems in women (urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, uterovaginal prolapse) are common, and have an adverse effect on quality of life. We hypothesized that there is low knowledge of these problems amongst primiparous women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional study in antenatal clinics of three hospitals in London, UK, from 2011 to 2013. Primiparous women aged ≥18 years and in the third trimester of pregnancy answered questions on pelvic floor problems. Knowledge scores were calculated based on the proportion of questions answered correctly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 249 women completed the question set. The average knowledge score across all domains was low at 45 %. Scores were lowest for the less common problems of faecal incontinence (35 %) and prolapse (36 %). The score for urinary incontinence was higher at 63 %, but low when questions explored more detailed levels of knowledge (41 %). Knowledge scores were positively associated with both education to tertiary level and the use of books as the information source on pregnancy and delivery. Only 35 % of women cited antenatal classes as a source.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge of pelvic floor problems is low amongst third-trimester, primiparous women in this London-based population. Adequate knowledge of these problems is important for women to be able to make informed choices about their antenatal care and to seek help if problems arise. The data suggest scope for health-care professionals to raise these issues early during pregnancy, and to help women access accurate sources of information.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, Sterling Way, London, N18 1QX, UK. aideen.oneill@nhs.net.
authors: Aideen T
authors: AT
authors: O'Neill
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free London NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors: Joanne
authors: J
authors: Hockey
authors: University College London Hospital and The Portland Hospital for Women and Children, London, UK.
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: O'Brien
authors: Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Williams
authors: Hub for Trials Methodology Research, MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK.
authors: Tim P
authors: TP
authors: Morris
authors: UCL Medical School, Gower Street, London, UK.
authors: Tahira
authors: T
authors: Khan
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free London NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Hardwick
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, Sterling Way, London, N18 1QX, UK.
authors: Wai
authors: W
authors: Yoong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D010298:Parity; D059952:Pelvic Floor Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000523:psychology*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000523:psychology; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Incontinence; Knowledge; Pelvic floor; Primiparous; Prolapse