Methodology

This study utilized a mixed-methods design to evaluate the impact of a single-session educational community-based intervention while incorporating participants’ qualitative perspectives. A single-cohort, sequential exploratory design was implemented, with quantitative data collected and analyzed first to provide initial demographic and subjective information, followed by qualitative data to expand upon and deepen interpretation of the results.

Eligibility Criteria to Participate in Study:

Inclusion criteria required participants to be 18 years of age or older and within five years postpartum (i.e., youngest child aged five years or younger). Exclusion criteria included individuals who were currently pregnant, under 18 years of age, or more than five years postpartum.

Recruitment

Recruitment began on February 3, 2026, and concluded on March 3, 2026. Recruitment flyers were shared on Facebook, specifically within local Facebook groups for mothers. Flyers were also distributed to a local obstetrician-gynecological office and a pediatric office to share with eligible families.

Recruitment Flyer

The QR code on the recruitment flyer directs individuals to the Participant Interest Form (attached below). This form provides additional information about the study and includes a section for interested individuals to submit their name, phone number, and email address, as well as respond to brief questions related to eligibility criteria.

Participant Interest Form Preview

Participant Interest Form

A complimentary one-hour wellness consultation tailored to a randomly selected individual’s expressed concerns and needs with Dr. Heather Truog, valued at $160, was raffled as a participation incentive. To be eligible for incentive, participants must have completed all index measures, surveys, and interviews.

Standardized Index Measures

GAD-7_Anxiety-updated_0.pdf

Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7

A validated 7-item self-report questionnaire used to assess the severity of generalized anxiety symptoms over the previous two weeks. Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (“not at all”) to 3 (“nearly every day”), with total scores ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety symptom severity.

MAIA_Index.pdf

Multidimensional Assessment of Interoception Awareness

A self-report instrument designed to assess multiple dimensions of interoceptive body awareness. The assessment evaluates constructs such as noticing bodily sensations, emotional awareness, self-regulation, attention regulation, and body listening. Participants respond using a Likert-type scale, with higher scores reflecting greater interoceptive awareness.

Queensland-PF-outcome-measure.pdf

Queensland Pelvic Floor Questionnaire

A validated condition-specific questionnaire assessing pelvic floor symptoms across bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function domains. Items assess both symptom frequency and associated bother, providing a multidimensional evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity and impact on quality of life.

These standardized index measures were converted into surveys using Qualtrics, an online platform for creating, distributing, and analyzing surveys and feedback. This platform streamlined the process of administering the measures to participants, as well as receiving and analyzing their responses for data collection. Links to the three measures were provided to participants prior to their workshop attendance.

Self-Developed Pretest-Postest Surveys

A fourth index measure was developed by the research team and administered immediately before and after the workshop. This investigator-designed questionnaire assessed participants’ confidence in their understanding of pelvic floor function, nervous system regulation, and the relationship between interoception and pelvic health. Participants rated their confidence using Likert-scale items, allowing for comparison of pre- and post-intervention scores to evaluate perceived knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy related to the workshop content.

These survey's were also provided to participants via Qualtrics.

Guided Interview Questions

Approximately one week after workshop attendance, participants were contacted to complete a 15-minute qualitative interview. These interviews were conducted to further engage participants and explore themes related to their unique experiences and perspectives on pelvic health and nervous system regulation. This approach allowed for the collection of diverse perspectives and enriched the overall dataset.

To learn more about the results obtained from these measures, navigate to the tab titled, "Results"

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