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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-06-2017 | Original Article

Association between waist-to-height ratio and postpartum urinary incontinence

Authors: Yan Li, Zhenyu Zhang

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 6/2017

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Obesity is an established and variable risk factor for postpartum urinary incontinence. However, the available anthropometric measurements are not comprehensive. We hypothesized that waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), which is a good indicator of abdominal adiposity, would be associated with postpartum urinary incontinence.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, we recruited 1,137 women who were invited to visit our hospital outpatient service for a pelvic floor examination. Anthropometric indexes were determined using standardized methods. A Peritron perineometer was used for the pelvic floor examinations. An internationally validated questionnaire was used to evaluate urinary incontinence. Odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals were estimated using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

Increased body mass index (BMI), WHTR and waist circumference (WC) showed highly significant associations with an increased risk of stress and mixed urinary incontinence. When BMI and WHTR were included in the same model, the risk of mixed urinary incontinence in the “take action” group (WHTR ≥0.6) was 4.3 times greater than the risk in the healthy reference group. After adjusting for BMI and WC, WHTR was independently associated with mixed urinary incontinence. Specifically, the risk of mixed urinary incontinence in the “take action” group (WHTR ≥0.6) was 6.58 times greater than the risk in the healthy reference group.

Conclusions

Determining WHTR may be an effective means of evaluating the risk of mixed urinary incontinence in women with abdominal obesity.

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Title: Association between waist-to-height ratio and postpartum urinary incontinence
Authors: Yan Li
Zhenyu Zhang
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-016-3220-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Association between waist-to-height ratio and postpartum urinary incontinence

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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