Post Partum Urinary Incontinence and Its Predisposing Factors in Enugu Metropolis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum urinary incontinence and its predisposing factors in Enugu metropolis. The study adopted a cross sectional survey. A total of 864 postpartum mothers within the age range of 16 and 45 years, who gave their informed consent, were conveniently selected from the post-natal clinics of the nine public health institutions in Enugu metropolis. Women continence and pelvic health centre questionnaire was adopted. The questionnaire sought information on the continence status of the subject. Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, percentage body fat and percentage body water was also determined. The major findings revealed high prevalent rate (59.7%) of postpartum urinary incontinence, especially in those without formal education (78.7%), those who were centrally obese (100%) and (74.1%) of those within the age of 36years and above. Result showed a significant association (p<0.05) between postpartum urinary incontinence and educational qualification, weight of the baby, parity, age of the mother, and obesity, and no significant association with mode of delivery (p>0.05). It was also observed that most women affected (96%) do not seek for medical attention, higher percentage of those who sought medical attention (2.2%) are not referred for physiotherapy intervention which was confirmed to be effective in this research. Based on the findings of this study, it could be concluded that; educational attainment, age of the mother, baby weight, parity and obesitymay be predisposing factors to urinary incontinence in postpartum mothers. It was thus recommended that there is a need to involve women’s health physiotherapist in maternal care.