Hatchett Lena, Hebert-Beirne Jennifer, Tenfelde Sandi, Lavender Missy D, Brubaker Linda
From the *Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood; †Women's Health Foundation; ‡University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health; §Loyola University Chicago Niehoff School of Nursing; and ∥Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology& Urology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL.
Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2011 Jul;17(4):190-4. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0b013e318229dd5c.
: The objective of this study was to explore knowledge, barriers to seeking sociocultural perceptions of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) among African American (AA) and Latina (LA) community-dwelling women.
: Thirty-two women participated in 4 focus groups. The sample included AA and LA women aged 24 to 77 years. Focus groups were stratified by age and race/ethnicity. Discussion questions included knowledge of and related health needs and barriers to seeking care with respect to PFDs, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Demographics and basic knowledge and experience with PFDs were also captured by survey.
: Several significant themes emerged from the data. AA and LA women had general misconceptions about PFDs and were unaware of PFDs causes, symptoms, and available treatments. Women were eager to receive more information, particularly prevention information that could be shared with their daughters. A major barrier to seeking care was the pattern of placing family demands before their own health needs.
: Findings suggest that there is a gap in information on PFDs among AA and LA women, yet a demand for information exists. Sociocultural perspectives discerned from focus group with AA and LA women can be used to tailor educational information and materials on PFDs. Findings may increase health provider awareness of the unique sociocultural barriers to seeking care for AA and LA women and improve patient education on PFDs.
本研究的目的是探究非裔美国（AA）和拉丁裔（LA）社区居住女性对盆底功能障碍（PFDs）的认知、寻求治疗的障碍以及社会文化观念。
32名女性参加了4个焦点小组。样本包括年龄在24至77岁之间的非裔美国和拉丁裔女性。焦点小组按年龄和种族/民族分层。讨论问题包括对PFDs、尿失禁和盆腔器官脱垂的认知、相关健康需求以及寻求治疗的障碍。还通过调查收集了人口统计学信息以及对PFDs的基本知识和经验。
数据中出现了几个重要主题。非裔美国和拉丁裔女性对PFDs普遍存在误解，并且不了解PFDs的病因、症状和可用治疗方法。女性渴望获得更多信息，尤其是可以与女儿分享的预防信息。寻求治疗的一个主要障碍是将家庭需求置于自身健康需求之前的模式。
研究结果表明，非裔美国和拉丁裔女性在PFDs信息方面存在差距，但对信息有需求。从与非裔美国和拉丁裔女性的焦点小组中辨别出的社会文化观点可用于定制关于PFDs的教育信息和材料。研究结果可能会提高医疗服务提供者对非裔美国和拉丁裔女性寻求治疗时独特社会文化障碍 的认识，并改善对PFDs的患者教育。
