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International Urogynecology Journal

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Open Access 01-07-2021 | Urinary Incontinence | Original Article

Urinary incontinence 6 weeks to 1 year post-partum: prevalence, experience of bother, beliefs, and help-seeking behavior

Authors: Heidi F. A. Moossdorff-Steinhauser, Bary C. M. Berghmans, Marc E. A. Spaanderman, Esther M. J. Bols

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 7/2021

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Post-partum, women often experience urinary incontinence (UI). However, the association between experienced UI bother and UI beliefs and help-seeking behavior is less known. Therefore, we aim to investigate the prevalence of self-reported UI, the level of experienced bother and beliefs, to explain help-seeking behavior for UI in women in the Netherlands from 6 weeks to one year post-partum.

Methods

A digital survey among post-partum women, shared on social media, was used for recruitment. The survey consists of: 1. demographic variables, 2. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), 3. ICIQ Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (ICIQ-LUTSqol), and 4. questions on beliefs and help-seeking behavior. For analysis, descriptive statistics and the independent samples t-test were used to determine differences between help- and non-help-seekers.

Results

415 women filled in the survey. The mean age was 30.6 years (SD 4.0, range 21–40) of which 48.2% was primiparous. The overall prevalence of UI was 57.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) (52.3–61.8)). Primiparous women reported a statistically significantly lower overall prevalence than multiparous women, 52.0% and 61.9% respectively (p = .043). UI was reported as bothersome in 38% of women, 25% of all women sought help. Help-seeking women showed significantly higher scores for bother, measured by the ICIQ-UI SF, than non-help seekers (p = .001).

Conclusions

More than half of all post-partum women in the Netherlands from 6 weeks to one year post childbirth experience UI (57.1%), 38% classified their UI as bothersome. In total 25% of UI women sought professional help.

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Title: Urinary incontinence 6 weeks to 1 year post-partum: prevalence, experience of bother, beliefs, and help-seeking behavior
Authors: Heidi F. A. Moossdorff-Steinhauser
Bary C. M. Berghmans
Marc E. A. Spaanderman
Esther M. J. Bols
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 7/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04644-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Urinary incontinence 6 weeks to 1 year post-partum: prevalence, experience of bother, beliefs, and help-seeking behavior

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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