Promoting Self Care to Prevent Urinary Incontinence (UI): A Four-Year Follow-up

This study examined whether self-efficacy promoted adherence to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) and Bladder Training (BT) in women aged 55 and older.

The study was designed to determine the capacity of self-efficacy to predict maintenance of the practices of PFMT and BT. Women in the treatment arm of the RCT attended a Bladder Health Class (PFMT & BT) to prevent UI. The class content emphasized self-efficacy. At 3-months post intervention the self-efficacy of participants was measured; these results were collected to analyze for predictive capacity of training adherence. For four years participants in both the treatment and control (no class) arms were followed with both questionnaires and 3-day bladder diaries (2/year) and clinic evaluations of (1/year). In addition, qualitative analyses of the narratives of Bladder Health Class participants identified individual attitudes and strategies that either facilitated or deterred adherence.

Adherence to PMFT and BT (self efficacy) were measured through questionnaires and 3-day voiding diaries.

Adherence to PMFT and BT (self efficacy) were measured through questionnaires and days of urinary incontinence per 3-day voiding diary

Digital measurement during clinical examination of pelvic muscle function (pressure and displacement).

Survey questions (open ended and forced choice) about strategies women use to incorporate PFMT and BT into their lives

Inclusion Criteria: Women aged 55 years or older who report 5 or fewer episodes of UI / year, no prior treatment for UI, no neurological disease, no difficulties performing activities of daily living Exclusion Criteria: Less than 55 years old, UI episodes greater that 5 per year, score of less than 24 on Mini Mental Status Examination

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