The broad long-term objectives of this research project are to increase the percentage of women who seek care for urinary incontinence.
The specific aims of this research project are to revise the predictor variables in the Theory of Care Seeking Behavior for the clinical problem of urinary incontinence. Secondly, we will develop the Theory of Incontinence Care Seeking Behavior by combining previously studied predictors of care seeking for incontinence with revised predictor variables in the Theory of Care Seeking Behavior. Focus groups will be used to accomplish these two aims. Finally, we will pilot test this Theory of Incontinence Care Seeking Behavior to identify predictors of care seeking for incontinence in a racially diverse female population.
This aim will be accomplished by a computer assisted telephone interview (CATI). Based on the theoretical framework of our model, we will determine if psychosocial (affect, utility, norm, and habit) variables predict care seeking for incontinence directly or by interaction with facilitator (barrier) variables. After controlling for these theoretical variables, we will determine if previously studied predictors of care seeking for incontinence add any unique variance. Finally, we will determine if race predicts care seeking for incontinence either directly or by interaction with psychosocial, facilitator (barrier), or previously studied predictors and determine if this additional variance is independent of socioeconomic status. The health relatedness of the project is to identify specific areas where behavior modifiers in the form of educational programs may increase the percentage of incontinent women who seek care and reduce any health disparities across racial and socioeconomic groups.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03HD041114-01
Application #
6369322
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHD1-DRG-D (12))
Program Officer
Weber, Anne M
Project Start
2001-09-01
Project End
2003-08-31
Budget Start
2001-09-01
Budget End
2002-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$71,500
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Louisville
Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Louisville
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40292
Kubik, Kari; Blackwell, Linda; Heit, Michael (2004) Does socioeconomic status explain racial differences in urinary incontinence knowledge? Am J Obstet Gynecol 191:188-93