Urinary incontinence after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and impact on quality of life in Portuguese women

Background & aim: Urinary incontinence (UI) significantly impacts quality of life, with pregnancy and childbirth recognized as major risk factors. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk actors of UI and its impact on quality of life among women after childbirth. Methods: A cross-sectional study using stratified cluster sampling was conducted on 696 women in Portugal, who had a childbirth within the last 12 months. Data were collected via a demographic as well as ICIQ-UI SF and (ICIQ-LUTSQoL questionnaire, which distributed on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram between September 2019 and February 2020. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, employing chi-square 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 risk of postpartum UI was doubled with the use of forceps or vacuum (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). The average score of quality of life was 37.7±۹ ۲۴ with a minimum of 22.00 and a maximum of 70.00. 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 the impact of this condition on childbearing women's lives.