Urinary incontinence in the puerperium and its impact on the health-related quality of life

Abstract

This case-control study evaluated whether UI in the puerperium compromises the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and if so, in which aspects. The study included 344 women (77 case group and 267 control group) up to 90 days postpartum, who were attended the Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic of a public teaching hospital, for the postpartum follow up consultation. A socio-demographic and clinical data questionnaire formulated and validated for the study, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short-Form (ICIQ-SF), the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), were applied. The mean score of the ICIQ-SF was 13.9 (SD: 3.7). The case group presented high mean scores in the domains Impact of the Incontinence, Emotions, Daily Activity Limitations and Physical Limitations, of the KHQ. The groups differed significantly in the domains Physical Aspects, Pain, General Health Status, Vitality, Social Aspects and Mental Health of the SF-36. It is concluded that UI significantly affects the physical and mental health of puerperae.