Educational Animation Video Improves Knowledge and Health-Seeking Behavior in Women With Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition among women, yet many do not seek care due to limited knowledge and stigma. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored educational animation video in improving UI-related knowledge, health-seeking behavior, and quality of life. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 354 community-dwelling women with UI in Sing Buri, Thailand. Participants were randomized to receive a 4.5 min UI animation video or a control health education session. The primary outcome was UI knowledge proficiency (PIKQ-UI), assessed immediately and at 2-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (IIQ-7) and health-seeking behavior. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher UI knowledge proficiency post-intervention (89% vs. 13%, RR 6.67, p < 0.001) and at 2 months (42% vs. 13%, RR 3.18, p < 0.001). They also reported improved health-seeking behavior (mean score 40.16 vs. 36.33, p < 0.001) and better quality of life (IIQ-7 score 25.67 vs. 31.20, p = 0.002). Conclusion: A brief, culturally adapted animation video significantly improved UI knowledge and health-seeking behavior, and was associated with better quality of life compared with controls, although no significant within-group improvement was observed from baseline. This low-cost, scalable intervention may be valuable in resource-limited settings. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20220601002 (retrospectively registered).