Reducing Disparities in Urinary Control Symptoms for Minority Women Using a Self-Directed Support Program Combining Behavioral Therapy and Physical Therapy Exercises

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a self-directed, culturally adapted home-based program called SUPPORT designed for women with urinary incontinence (UI) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This program addresses disparities in access to conservative treatments by combining cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral changes, and pelvic floor physical therapy exercises. The study focuses on racially minoritized women and aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of the SUPPORT program on patient-centered outcomes across different races and ethnicities. Participants receive an 8-week SUPPORT workbook that includes education, bladder retraining, pelvic floor stretching, and core strengthening exercises. The workbook also features QR codes linking to videos demonstrating exercises with audio guidance. Additionally, participants have access to a custom programmed GPT-based digital coach trained to assist them empathetically throughout the program. The total time commitment is about 2 hours per week. During the study, participants progress through the home-based program with research staff support and complete surveys evaluating urinary symptom changes from enrollment to 8 weeks and up to 16 weeks after starting. Researchers measure adherence, patient satisfaction, symptom improvement, and the usability and attitudes toward the digital coach. The study helps understand how self-management strategies can be effectively delivered for pelvic floor disorders over about four months.

Reducing Disparities in Urinary Control Symptoms for Minority Women