Characterization of pelvic floor symptoms in community-dwelling women of northeastern Liberia

Abstract

Objective To characterize prevalence and quality of life (QoL) impact of urinary incontinence (UI), fecal incontinence (FI), and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms in women of Liberia. Methods A questionnaire addressing symptoms and QoL impact of UI, FI and POP was administered to women in a community setting in Ganta, Liberia. Questionnaires were analyzed to determine prevalence rates, QoL impact, and risk factors for these conditions. Results 424 participants were surveyed; 1.7% reported UI, 0.10% reported any form of FI, and 3.3% reported some degree of POP symptoms. QoL responses varied among symptom groups. Previous hysterectomy, cesarean delivery, vaginal deliveries, and body mass index had no significant association with UI, FI, or POP. Participants with UI symptoms were more likely to report FI symptoms (p=0.002). Conclusion Prevalence rates for UI, FI and POP in this population are low; there was a significant association of FI symptoms in subjects with UI.

One in five women suffer from pelvic floor disorders in Kersa district Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study

“…In this study OAB was the most prevalent PFD, followed by POP, SUI, and AI. This pattern of PFD is in agreement with Asian and African studies [ 5 , 6 , 10 , 30 ]. In Western countries AI and SUI are the most prevalent PFD, followed by OAB.…”

“…Studies have shown that 11%-35.5% of women suffer from PFDs globally [ 5 , 6 ]. The most common PFDs include over active bladder (OAB) with an estimated prevalence of 7.6%-13% [ 7 , 8 ], stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with an estimated prevalence of 1.7% - 35.5%, [ 9 , 10 ], pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with an estimated prevalence of 2.9%-20% [ 9 , 11 ] and anal incontinence (AI) with an estimated prevalence of 0.2 - 13% [ 5 , 12 ].…”

Prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction in women in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

“…2 Overactive bladder is one of the forms of PFD, with an estimated prevalence of 7.6% to 13%. 3,4 SUI, POP, and FI have an estimated prevalence of 1.7% to 35.5%, 5,6 2.9% to 20%, 2,5 and 0.2% to 13%, 7,8 respectively. Nonetheless, data on the prevalence of other forms of PFD are limited.…”

Overview of Pelvic Floor Disorders

“…The main symptom of AI is uncontrolled passage of bowel contents (solid, liquid, or gas). 62 The inability to control feces or flatus is an unpleasant and distressing symptom that can significantly impact quality of life. 60 Bahrucha et al 61 stratified the number of AI patients by severity.…”