Urinary Incontinence after Childbirth: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Professor, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa (UCP), Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Porto, Portugal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Portugal

2 Associate Professor, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Porto, Portugal; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Portugal

10.22038/jmrh.2024.75252.2210

Abstract

Background & aim: Urinary incontinence (UI) significantly impacts quality of life, with pregnancy and childbirth recognized as major risk factors. This study aims to identify the prevalence of UI after childbirth and identify women at risk.
Methods: A cross-sectional study using stratified cluster sampling was conducted on 696 women in Portugal. Data were collected via a three-part questionnaire distributed on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram between September 2019 and February 2020. Each computer terminal allowed only one access to prevent repeated entries. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, employing chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests and a multiple logistic regression model to identify factors related to postpartum UI.
Results: The prevalence of UI after childbirth was 46.8%. Factors significantly associated with UI included involuntary urine loss before and during the last pregnancy, type of delivery, and age. The ICIQ-LUTSQol questionnaire scores ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater impact on quality of life. The risk of postpartum UI was doubled with the use of forceps or suction cups (OR = 2.06) and was lower in C-section deliveries. Women over 34 years had an increased risk, nearly twice as high (OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.2–3.1).
Conclusion: This study sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum UI, emphasizing the need for prenatal monitoring and preventive protocols to mitigate this condition's impact on women's lives.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 January 2024

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics