Understanding engagement in pelvic floor muscle exercise among patients post radical prostatectomy: a qualitative...

This study explores factors influencing pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) intention and engagement among men post-radical prostatectomy (RP), and examines facilitators and barriers to PFME engagement and proposes strategies to enhance engagement.

A qualitative descriptive study guided by the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) model was conducted. Twenty-eight men were purposively sampled based on their PFME intention and engagement levels. Semi-structured phone interviews were transcribed and analyzed using deductive and inductive content analysis. Themes were developed from the interview analyses to reflect participants' perceptions of determinants influencing PFME engagement and their transition from intention to sustained engagement.

Findings identified experiential and instrumental attitudes, injunctive norm, as well as patient autonomy, capacity, and perceived urinary incontinence as key determinants influencing PFME intention and engagement. Patient barriers included monotony, inadequate knowledge, limited healthcare support, and physical challenges. Self-regulatory skills, family encouragement, and positive healthcare interactions promoted patient engagement. Patients also mentioned that self-management strategies and eHealth resources were effective in overcoming challenges.

The study underscores the importance of tailored interventions targeting psychosocial determinants and self-regulatory skills to enhance PFME engagement. These insights inform rehabilitation strategies to improve UI management and quality of life for men post-RP.