Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among Postpartum and Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction and hypothesis: This research sought to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) among postpartum and postmenopausal women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among postpartum and postmenopausal women between May and August 2023. Demographic data, along with KAP scores, were collected using a self-designed questionnaire-based approach.

Results: Six hundred seventy-seven valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed, with 206 (30.43%) participants aged under 30 years old. The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice dimension were 7.1 ± 2.42 (range 0-9), 33.42 ± 4.75 (range 8-40), and 24.69 ± 6.68 (range 7-35). Proactive practice was independently associated with knowledge scores (OR 1.150, 95%CI 1.059-1.249, P = 0.001), attitude scores (OR 1.125, 95%CI 1.081-1.171, P < 0.001), age 30 years or older (OR 2.326, 95%CI 1.555-3.481, P < 0.001), and being in a postpartum state (OR 0.542, 95%CI 0.325-0.903, P = 0.019). The structured equation model revealed that knowledge exerted a strong positive direct effect on attitude (β = 0.634, P < 0.001), attitude had a significant direct effect on practice (β = 0.681, P < 0.001), and knowledge also markedly influenced practice (β = 0.907, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Postpartum and postmenopausal women demonstrated adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices regarding PFD. It emphasizes the significance of tailored education, a holistic approach, and behavioral interventions to improve clinical practice in pelvic floor health.