Evaluation of adherence and self-efficacy to pelvic floor muscle training obtained through the use of a multimedia application

• Grant number: 21/05112-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2021
• End date: August 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Sartorato Beleza
• Grantee: Carolina Angélico
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Studies show that pregnancy and childbirth are important risk factors for the occurrence of dysfunctions in the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) and that there is a need for pregnant women to receive information about this. In this way, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can prevent and treat those dysfunctions. Moreover, health education can provide knowledge about the importance of the pelvic floor muscle as well as its functions and dysfunctions, and can increase PFMT's adherence and efficacy. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to PFMT and self-efficacy obtained using a mobile application containing educational information about the PFM and a PFMT program. The secondary aim was to analyze those pregnant women's satisfaction with this technology. That is a descriptive cross-sectional study, consisting of the following steps: Bibliographic Review with the object to find studies at the databases that were about the assessment of adherence and self-efficacy, and how much those factors contribute to positive results in the PFMT; Adherence Evaluation to PFMT program available in the application, through a questionnaire; Self-efficacy Verifying developed by the women participating using a scale already elaborated and validated; Satisfaction Questionnaire Application to assess the content available in this technological tool and its contribution to the participants; Statistical Analysis and Discussion of the Results Obtained to verify a possible correlation between the different factors evaluated. (AU)