THE AUSTRALIAN FEMALE MILITARY PELVIC HEALTH STUDY
Not so secret women's business
WOMEN SERVING IN THE ADF: AN EXPLORATION OF PELVIC HEALTH
Objectives of the Research
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Determine the types, prevalence, severity and onset of pelvic health issues experienced by military women
Establish factors contributing to pelvic health issues in military women
Explore the impacts of pelvic health on occupational health, safety and performance of military women
Ascertain ways in which female military personnel currently manage pelvic health, and organisational support and services they perceive assist, or would assist (if available), them in this process.
How are we conducting the research?
A survey is currently underway exploring the pelvic health of women and veterans of the ADF. For more information head to the Participate now! tab
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On completing the survey, women also have the option to participate in an individual interview about their experiences
THE STUDY
Dr Simone O'Shea answers common questions
Watch the video to find out more information about the research study. The video will help you answer questions such as:
why should I complete the survey?
do I need to have any concerns about my pelvic health?
how long will it take to complete the survey?
how will my confidentiality be protected?
what if I'd like to share more of my experiences?
Purpose built in collaboration with WVNA
The online pelvic health survey was custom built in collaboration with representatives from WVNA.
During the first phase of development, the research team utilised the internationally recognised definition of pelvic health to outline the scope of the survey and then reviewed a range of validated surveys. As no previous surveys had looked at pelvic health from all aspects, it was decided to utilise elements of many of these surveys to build the framework for the female military pelvic health survey.
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During phase two, consultants from WVNA and a registered obstetrician & gynaecologist reviewed the survey and provided feedback on language, scope, relevance and military context. After this phase the survey was trialled by 10 female military personnel, who also provided feedback on language, relevance, user-friendliness of online platform, survey duration etc. The survey was then modified in response to feedback prior to release.
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The survey is quite long because it covers the breadth of pelvic health as well as considering the relationship between work and pelvic health. The survey utilises 'skip logic' therefore it will only open up certain questions in response to the answers that you provide. There are a combination of question types and there are opportunities to write additional information and comments. If you have a lot of information that you would like to share, we'd encourage you to consider participating in an individual interview.
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The survey utilises the Qualtrics platform and allows for the collection of survey responses anonymously. The survey can be completed on any electronic device with an internet connection by accessing the survey link. It is recommended that you use a PC or tablet device for an enhanced user experience. The survey does not need to be completed all at once, as the link will return you to where you left off if you utilise the same device and web browser each time you access the survey.
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YOUR STORY
Individual interviews are focused on your story
Whilst the online survey aims to understand and describe the pelvic health of female military personnel more broadly, the individual interviews are designed to allow women to share their stories in more depth.
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If you would like to share your unique experiences of managing and maintaining your pelvic health whilst actively serving in the Australian Defence Force, then please use the contact information at the end of the survey to register your interest with Dr Simone O'Shea.
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Individual interviews are conducted via phone by Dr Kate Freire, and scheduled at a time to suit you.