Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Before Versus After an Initial Urogynecology Consultation.

introduction and hypothesisThe objective was to compare Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) scores before versus after initial consultation with a Urogynecology physician. Secondary objectives included examining correlations between PIKQ scores, symptom severity, and satisfaction.

methodsA prospective study of new patients, aged ≥ 18 years, referred to an academic tertiary referral center for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, was carried out. Participants self-reported demographic information and completed the PIKQ (scores range 0-24; 2 subscales: urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse; higher scores indicate greater knowledge) before and after the visit. Questionnaires assessing symptom severity and satisfaction were also completed. Assuming a mean score of 15 ± 6 (α 0.05, β 0.20), 90 participants were required to detect a moderate effect size (0.3). Pearson correlation coefficients, p tests, and regression models were applied as appropriate.

resultsNinety-four participants, with a mean age 56 ± 13.5 years, were included. Primary diagnoses included overactive bladder (60 out of 94, 64%), stress urinary incontinence (57 out of 94, 61%), and pelvic organ prolapse (36 out of 94, 38%). Mean pre-visit PIKQ score was 15.8 ± 6.2, which increased post-visit (2.4 ± 5.2 points, p < 0.001). Neither pre-visit PIKQ score nor change in score correlated with treatment decision satisfaction (correlation coefficient -0.07, p = 0.52). Symptom severity did not correlate with PIKQ score change, although weak correlations between symptom severity and pre-visit scores were noted (correlation coefficients ranged from -0.22 to -0.31, p < 0.05).

conclusionThe PIKQ scores increased after initial Urogynecology consultation, and changes correlated with neither symptoms nor satisfaction.