The mediating effect of self-efficacy on adherence to pelvic floor muscle training: an analysis based on the COM-B model

Area of Science:

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation
• Behavioral science in healthcare
• Women's health

Background:

• Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) adherence is often low in women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).
• Existing research has not fully explored the pathways linking factors influencing PFMT adherence.
• The COM-B model provides a framework to understand behavior change, including adherence to PFMT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between knowledge, social support, and PFMT adherence in women with PFD.
• To analyze the direct and indirect effects of various factors on PFMT adherence using the COM-B model.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 315 women with PFD from a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China.
• Data collection included measures of PFMT adherence, PFD severity, PFD knowledge, social support, and self-efficacy.
• Mediation analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 to assess the mediating effect of self-efficacy.

Main Results:

• The average PFMT adherence score among women with PFD was 11.30 ± 4.17.
• Self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between PFD knowledge and PFMT adherence (β = 0.046).
• Self-efficacy also significantly mediated the relationship between social support and PFMT adherence (β = 0.058), with both being fully mediated effects.

Conclusions:

• PFMT adherence in women with PFD is at a moderate level.
• Self-efficacy plays a direct role in influencing PFMT adherence.
• Knowledge of PFD and social support indirectly impact PFMT adherence by enhancing self-efficacy.