Development and pilot testing of a self-management internet-based program for older adults with overactive bladder - Abstract

Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL.

Geriatrics Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL; Stein Gerontological Institute, Miami Jewish Health Systems, Miami, FL.

 

 

The purpose of this study was to implement and pilot test our Self-Management Internet-Based Program for Older Adults with Overactive Bladder (OAB-SMIP) in a group of older adults with overactive bladder (OAB) to determine its usability and outcomes, including knowledge, self-efficacy, perception of bladder condition, and health-related quality of life.

In a single-group study design with pre- and post-tests, we recruited 25 men and women age 55 or older with symptoms of OAB. The OAB-SMIP intervention consisted of 3 multimedia e-learning tutorials, social networking features, and other online resources delivered over 6 weeks.

Participants enjoyed the OAB-SMIP and found it easy to use. Participants demonstrated increased knowledge (SMD = 4.17, large effect size), and their symptoms improved after the intervention (SMD = 1.20-1.30, large effect sizes). Participants improved their overall self-efficacy (SMD = 1.84, large effect size) as well as their self-efficacy in performing pelvic muscle exercises (SMD = 1.41, large effect size) and controlling urge symptoms (SMD = 1.32, large effect size), and there were significant increases in health-related quality of life (SMD = 1.13, large effect size) after exposure to the OAB-SMIP. We did not find any significant gender differences.

Participants using the OAB-SMIP improved their knowledge, symptoms, self-efficacy in performing pelvic muscle exercises and overall management of OAB, as well as health-related quality-of-life scores.

Written by:
Ruiz JG, Tunuguntla R, Cifuentes P, Andrade AD, Ouslander JG, Roos BA.   Are you the author?

Reference: Urology. 2011 Mar 30. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2011.01.043

PubMed Abstract
PMID: 21458038

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