Are Bladder-Related Knowledge and Agentic Beliefs Associated With Bladder Health?

An improved understanding of associations of bladder-related knowledge and agentic beliefs with bladder health can be informative for developing strategies to prevent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

The objectives of this study were to evaluate associations of bladder knowledge and agentic beliefs with bladder health status.

We assessed bladder-related knowledge and beliefs in RISE FOR HEALTH participants using the Bladder Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs instrument (BH-KAB, range 0-100) in a cross-sectional analysis. Bladder health was assessed using the Global scale of the Bladder Health Scales (BHS, 0-100), the Total Bladder Function Index (BFI, 0-100), and the Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index-10 (LURN SI-10, 0-38). Associations of bladder-related knowledge and agentic beliefs with each bladder health outcome were assessed using linear regression.

The mean age of participants was 49.2 years (range=18-101 years). The mean knowledge score was 67.5 and the mean agency score was 56.5. The associations of the knowledge score with Global BHS and BFI were weak (-0.9 and -1.1), while associations of the agency score with Global BHS and BFI were stronger, with a 2.4 and 1.4 higher score (better health), respectively, for every 10-point increase in agency. Increased agency was also associated with fewer LUTS; for every 10-point increase in agency score, there was a 0.5 decrease in the LURN SI-10 score.

Bladder-related knowledge was weakly associated and agentic beliefs were more strongly associated with bladder health and function. Longitudinal prevention intervention studies can help determine whether increases in agentic beliefs promote bladder health and prevent the development and worsening of LUTS.