Hungarian Women’s Health Care Seeking Behavior and Knowledge of Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Importance Adequate knowledge about pelvic floor disorders could lead to increased health care-seeking behavior, improved symptoms, and quality of life. Objectives The aims of the present study were to evaluate Hungarian women’s knowledge about pelvic floor disorders and to assess health care-seeking behavior. Study Design We conducted a cross-sectional survey from March to October 2022 using self-administered questionnaires. The Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire was used to assess Hungarian women’s knowledge about pelvic floor disorders. The International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form was used to gather information about the symptoms of urinary incontinence. Results Five hundred ninety-six women were included in the study. Urinary incontinence knowledge was deemed proficient in 27.7% of participants, while pelvic organ prolapse knowledge was deemed proficient in 40.4% of participants. Greater urinary incontinence knowledge was significantly associated (P < 0.001) with higher level of education (P = 0.016), work in a medical field (P < 0.001), and ever practiced pelvic floor muscle training (P < 0.001), whereas greater pelvic organ prolapse knowledge was significantly associated (P < 0.001) with higher level of education (P = 0.032), work in a medical field (P < 0.001), ever practiced pelvic floor muscle training (P = 0.017), and ever had pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.022). Of the 248 participants who reported a history of urinary incontinence, only 42 (16.93%) women sought care. Care seeking was higher among women who were more knowledgeable about urinary incontinence and among women with more severe symptoms. Conclusions Hungarian women had limited knowledge about urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Health care seeking among women with urinary incontinence was low.