Development of a tool to assess bladder health knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (BH‐KAB)

Abstract

Introduction Few instruments measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) related to bladder health. Existing questionnaires have predominantly focused on KAB related to specific conditions such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and other pelvic floor disorders. To address this literature gap, the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) research consortium developed an instrument that is being administered in the baseline assessment of the PLUS RISE FOR HEALTH longitudinal study. Methods The bladder health knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (BH‐KAB) instrument development process consisted of two phases, item development and evaluation. Item development was guided by a conceptual framework, review of existing KAB instruments, and a review of qualitative data from the PLUS consortium Study of Habits, Attitudes, Realities, and Experiences (SHARE). Evaluation comprised three methods to assess content validity and reduce and refine items: q‐sort, e‐panel survey, and cognitive interviews. Results The final 18‐item BH‐KAB instrument assesses self‐reported bladder knowledge; perceptions of bladder function, anatomy, and related medical conditions; attitudes toward different patterns of fluid intake, voiding, and nocturia; the potential to prevent or treat urinary tract infections and incontinence; and the impact of pregnancy and pelvic muscle exercises on bladder health. Conclusion The PLUS BH‐KAB instrument may be used independently or in conjunction with other KAB instruments for a more comprehensive assessment of women's KAB related to bladder health. The BH‐KAB instrument can inform clinical conversations, health education programming, and research examining potential determinants of bladder health, LUTS, and related behavioral habits (e.g., toileting, fluid intake, pelvic muscle exercises).

Editorial

“…Daphne Yvette LaCoursiete MD and coauthors describe the development of a novel, 18-item instrument to assess bladder health knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (BH-KAB) which is incorporated into the RISE study surveys. 7 Clinicians are familiar with common misunderstandings and misinformation related to bladder health. Yet, it is obvious that an individual's BH-KAB have potential to influence daily choices related to toileting, fluid intake, dietary patterns, and potentially self-management and treatment-seeking for LUTS.…”

“…Daphne Yvette LaCoursiete MD and coauthors describe the development of a novel, 18‐item instrument to assess bladder health knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (BH‐KAB) which is incorporated into the RISE study surveys 7 . Clinicians are familiar with common misunderstandings and misinformation related to bladder health.…”