Introduction and hypothesis: The Autonomy Preference Index (API) and Control Preferences Scale (CPS) measure information-seeking and decision-making preferences. Our objective was to validate these scales in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) and identify variables associated with decision-making preferences.
Methods: Women seeking care for PFDs completed the API and the CPS. Psychometric properties were determined. Multivariable analyses were used to identify correlates of information-seeking and decision-making preferences.
Results: One hundred ten women were recruited. Both scales demonstrated good psychometric properties (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.5 to 0.7; Cronbach's alpha = 0.8 for the API, and r = -0.3 between the API and CPS). Based on scores, women had strong preferences to be well informed, but were more neutral in their decision-making preferences. In multivariable analyses, higher education levels were associated with a stronger desire for seeking medical information.
Conclusions: Women seeking care for PFDs vary in their preferences for participating in treatment decisions.