Willingness to Try Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Among Women Attending Gynecology Clinics in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study of Beliefs, Barriers, and Facilitators
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: Pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) is a first-line conservative treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. This study assessed the beliefs, attitudes, perceived barriers, and willingness of women attending obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to try PFPT. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 women attending OBGYN outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between May 10, 2025, and August 30, 2026. Participants completed a bilingual questionnaire assessing demographics, medical and obstetric history, knowledge, beliefs, perceived barriers, and willingness to try PFPT. Associations were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and independent t tests. Results: In the current study, 200 participants were included. Willingness to try PFPT was 64.0% if offered free and increased to 84.0% when recommended by a physician; 91.5% agreed or strongly agreed they would try PFPT if advised by their doctor. Knowledge was generally good, with 65.5% recognizing that pelvic floor exercises reduce urinary leakage and 87.5% expressing confidence in learning them. Financial cost was the most reported barrier (56.5%), followed by difficulty accessing services (48.0%). The preferred delivery mode was in-person care with a female physiotherapist (72.5%), followed by video- or app-based home programs (39.5%). Although 24% reported urinary incontinence, only 11% had previously consulted a physiotherapist. Conclusion: Women attending OBGYN clinics showed high willingness to try PFPT, particularly when recommended by a physician. Addressing cost and access barriers, increasing physician endorsement, ensuring availability of female physiotherapists, and expanding digital delivery options may improve PFPT uptake. Cite this article as: Shamrani HM. Willingness to try pelvic floor physiotherapy among women attending gynecology clinics in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study of beliefs, barriers, and facilitators. Urol Res Pract. 2026;52, doi:10.5152/tud.2026.26048
Source: Urology Research and Practice
Author: Hanan Mohammed Shamrani
Institution: King Abdulaziz University
Language: English
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222452306