Purpose: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) are highly prevalent in adult women. Although pelvic health physiotherapy (PHP) has been found to provide evidence-based interventions to women presenting these conditions, access to such services may be limited. The objective of this study was to explore women's perceptions and experiences regarding access to pelvic health physiotherapy (PHP).
Methods: This study was a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews. An interview guide was used to interview women having experienced PFD, who had or not accessed PHP services. The content of the interviews was transcribed and analyzed through inductive reflective thematic analysis. The transcripts were coded, and key themes were identified using an iterative process.
Results: The participants were 15 women over the age of 18 years. Three main themes were identified: 1) lacking guidance on PFDs and PHP services; 2) neglecting PFDs and their effects; 3) needing access to quality PHP services.
Conclusion: The results of this study provide valuable insights into the access issues faced by women regarding their pelvic health. Findings highlight numerous unmet needs, among which the need to improve knowledge and awareness of PFDs, to address the trivialization of PFD symptoms, and to ensure access to PHP in rural areas.
Keywords: Pelvic health physiotherapy; access; pelvic floor; qualitative research; women’s health.
Access to pelvic health physiotherapy is essential for women experiencing pelvic floor dysfunctions, as these conditions can significantly affect physical, mental, and sexual health.Women’s perspectives on this access highlight unmet needs, including insufficient guidance on pelvic floor dysfunctions and pelvic health physiotherapy services, the trivialization of their symptoms and impacts, and the demand for high-quality care.Addressing these unmet needs is crucial to enhance access to pelvic health physiotherapy and improve the quality of life of women.