Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Urinary Incontinence in Southern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

• Published in: King Khalid University Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 24 - 28
• Main Authors: Alamri, Abdulaziz, Alqahtani, Mohammed, Asiri, Khalid, Albagami, Saad, Hassan, Bahaeldin Ahmed, Alhumaid, Rawa M., Alharbi, Amer, Safar, Omar, Khan, Muhammad Abid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2024
• ISSN: 2772-4832; 2772-4840
• DOI: 10.4103/KKUJHS.KKUJHS_30_23

Abstract Background: Besides knowing the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), it is also vital to know its risk factors and how many patients will seek treatment. UI affects women’s quality of life considerably, but the severity and impact on quality of life differ significantly. Postpartum urinary incontinence (p-UI) reported a wide range ranging from 3% to 40%. It is essential to estimate the prevalence of postpartum incontinence accurately. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of consented females of childbearing age with previous delivery and complaints of p-UI from August to December 2022. Experts developed a questionnaire form after a literature review of similar articles. Data have been collected from attendants of obstetrics and gynecology departments at three leading hospitals in the region after obtaining consent for direct interviews and answering the questionnaire. Results: One hundred and seventy-six females with UI agreed to be included in the study. Participants age ranged from 18 to 50 years old, with a mean of 32.1 ± 6.8 years. Of 103 (58.5%) had previous 1–3 deliveries and 33 (18.8%) had previous deliveries of 6 times or more. The most reported type of delivery was normal vaginal delivery (NVD) among 115 (65.3%), whereas 24 (13.6%) had both NVD and cesarean section. Exact 44.3% of the females complained of urinary frequency. Furthermore, 37.5% felt an urgent need to empty the bladder, and 35.2% had frequent lower abdomen pain. Urgency was reported by 34.1% of the females, and 26.7% complained of experiencing a minimal amount of urinary incontinence (urine drops). Conclusions: The prevalence of p-UI about one-third of the participants in southern Saudi Arabia with mixed UI was the most common type. Moreover, old age, multiparity, and high BMI were significant risk factors.