Knowledge and Awareness of Pelvic Floor Disorders and Rehabilitation in Postpartum Women: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) is considerably high, yet, only a handful of women seek help as most of them accept it as a consequence of pregnancy, childbirth, and as a part of aging process. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is considered primary treatment for management of PFDs. Inadequate knowledge is a major obstacle in seeking appropriate treatment. The present study intends to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of PFDs and rehabilitation in postpartum women.

Methodology The study comprised of 316 postpartum women from a tertiary care center in Belagavi district. Data was collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire about PFDs and questions to assess awareness of pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Outcome Measures Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire which comprises of 42 questions, divided in 4 domains, about bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function was used along with 6 self-designed questions about pelvic floor physiotherapy, to evaluate the knowledge of PFDs and rehabilitation.

Results The statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software version 26. The prevalence of PFDs was 63.6% with bladder component affected in 54.11%, bowel in 26.8%, prolapse symptoms in 2.21%, and sexual function in 22% postpartum women. They lacked knowledge regarding PFDs and rehabilitation with 84.4% considering the symptoms as normal and only 5.69% aware about pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Conclusion The study concludes that there is a high prevalence of PFDs and a substantial lack of knowledge and awareness regarding PFDs and its rehabilitation.

Keywords

pelvic floor disorders - pelvic floor rehabilitation - Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire - postpartum women

Publication History

Article published online:
03 September 2024

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