MP02-04 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HEALTH DISPARITIES IN SPANISH-SPEAKING LATINA WOMEN WITH PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Pelvic Prolapse (MP02)1 Apr 2019MP02-04 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HEALTH DISPARITIES IN SPANISH-SPEAKING LATINA WOMEN WITH PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS Claudia Sevilla*, Christine Horton, Katherine Volpe, Jennifer Unger, Mariana Stern, and Larissa Rodriguez Claudia Sevilla*Claudia Sevilla* More articles by this author , Christine HortonChristine Horton More articles by this author , Katherine VolpeKatherine Volpe More articles by this author , Jennifer UngerJennifer Unger More articles by this author , Mariana SternMariana Stern More articles by this author , and Larissa RodriguezLarissa Rodriguez More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0000554916.87441.bbAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Latina women bear a disproportionate burden of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Disparities have been identified across the continuum of care for diagnosis, treatment and surgical outcomes. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, behaviors and beliefs in Spanish-speaking Latina women with PFDs to begin to understand the reasons underlying these disparities. METHODS: Spanish-speaking women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and/or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) were recruited from a public Urogynecology specialty clinic in Los Angeles. Two focus groups (n=18) were conducted by a Spanish-speaking moderator. Topics addressed knowledge and cultural beliefs about PFDs, concerns regarding symptoms, determinants of seeking care, self-perception and relationships with partners. The focus group transcripts were qualitatively analyzed using Grounded Theory methodology. RESULTS: Several themes emerged from our analysis and were grouped into three categories: knowledge and beliefs, personal responses to symptom onset, and behavioral responses to symptom onset (Table 1). With regards to knowledge and beliefs, stereotypes and cultural barriers inhibit Latina women from openly discussing their symptoms; however, these women voiced a strong desire for change at both the community and personal level to increase awareness about PFDs. Personal responses to symptom onset included an undesirable emotional response, barriers to seek help, and changes in self-perception. The behavioral response to symptom onset ultimately impacted personal relationships, as well as resulted in delays in seeking care and varied treatment choices. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish-speaking Latina women with PFDs are heavily influenced by their culture and lack of knowledge of the disease process which produces feelings of shame, fear and isolation. As a result, these patients avoid discussions regarding their symptoms, and ultimately delay care and treatment until their condition is very advanced. The Latina women in our focus groups were motivated and empowered to change stereotypes regarding the disease and agreed that more public awareness is needed, specifically in the Latino community, to help educate women that it is normal and healthy to talk about PFDs. Source of Funding: This work was supported by SC CTSI pilot funding program (UL1TR001855 and UL1TR000130 NCATS/NIH) Los Angeles, CA© 2019 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 201Issue Supplement 4April 2019Page: e11-e11 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2019 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Claudia Sevilla* More articles by this author Christine Horton More articles by this author Katherine Volpe More articles by this author Jennifer Unger More articles by this author Mariana Stern More articles by this author Larissa Rodriguez More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...