Epidemiology of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in the Tacna Region of Peru, 2023.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent in the general population, with numerous studies conducted in Europe and North America. However, there is a scarcity of data regarding its prevalence and sociodemographic factors in the southern region of Peru. There is an association between sociodemographic factors-such as age, educational level, body mass index, number of pregnancies, parity, mode of delivery, weight of the newborn-along with lifestyle factors such as physical effort, coffee and tobacco consumption with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). We anticipate that this association will negatively impact women's quality of life. METHODS: This was a quantitative study, with a non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design. A sample consisting of 468 women between 30 and 64 years old. A previously tested survey was applied to explore prevalence, symptoms, associated factors, and quality of life. RESULTS: The prevalence of PFD was 73.9%. UI was the most common. There is a significant association with overweight, obesity, parity, route of delivery, and physical effort. Even though a large percentage of participants presented with PFD, they reported that their quality of life was not affected (65.9% urinary discomfort, 96.5% colorectal-anal discomfort and 92.2% pelvic organ prolapse discomfort) and only in the case of urinary discomfort did they state that the impact was mild (28.6%) and moderate (5.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor dysfunction in women is very common and it is strongly associated with overweight, obesity, parity, route of delivery, and physical exertion. The impact on quality of life was mild and moderate for those who had urinary discomfort.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Transgender Men on Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this research is to explore the effects of hormone therapy using testosterone on pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in transgender men. We hypothesize that PFD might be prevalent among transgender men undergoing hormone therapy. Therefore, this study was aimed at verifying the frequency of these dysfunctions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and March 2023 using an online questionnaire, which included transgender men over 18 years old who underwent gender-affirming hormone therapy. Volunteers with neurological disease, previous urogynecology surgery, active urinary tract infection, and individuals without access to the internet were excluded. The questionnaire employed validated tools to assess urinary symptoms, such as urinary incontinence (UI), as well as sexual dysfunction, anorectal symptoms, and constipation. The data were analyzed descriptively and presented as frequencies and prevalence ratios with their respective confidence intervals (95% CI), mean, and standard deviation. RESULTS: A total of 68 transgender men were included. Most participants had storage symptoms (69.1%), sexual dysfunction (52.9%), anorectal symptoms (45.6%), and flatal incontinence (39.7%). Participants with UI symptoms reported moderate severity of the condition. CONCLUSIONS: Transgender men on hormone therapy have a high incidence of PFD (94.1%) and experience a greater occurrence of urinary symptoms (86.7%).

Do patients undergoing physical therapy in a rehabilitation center have a high prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction and psychological disorders? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and its relationship with anxiety in a population undergoing physical therapy treatment in Rehabilitation Centers seems to have been little investigated in the literature. OBJECTIVE: 1) to investigate the prevalence of PFD, anxiety, depression; 2) to assess quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing physical therapy in a Rehabilitation Center, 3) to compare the results by sex; and 4) to assess the relationship between PFD and anxiety, depression, and QoL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included participants receiving physical therapy care in a Rehabilitation Center. Validated questionnaires were used to assess PFD, QoL, depression, and anxiety. The Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a binary logistic regression model were used for data analysis. RESULTS: 253 participants (56.9% female) were included, 45% of them reported at least one PFD symptom. Females had higher prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) (28% vs 14%); constipation (25% vs 10%); sexual dysfunction (75% vs 9%); anxiety (47% vs 35%); and depression (34% vs 17%) than males. A weak correlation was found between anxiety and depression with UI and sexual dysfunction for females. For all participants, poor QoL was found in physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain and emotional role. Being elderly (OR: 2.58 [1.24, 5.37]), partnered (OR: 1.82 [1.04, 3.17]), female (OR: 3.38 [1.91, 5.99]), and anxious (OR: 2.03 [1.14, 3.62]) were risk factors for reporting PFD. CONCLUSION: This study found a high prevalence of PFD symptoms in patients attending a Rehabilitation Center. All symptoms except fecal incontinence were more prevalent in females than in males. There was a weak correlation between UI with QoL and psychological disorders among females.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in women with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic syndrome that causes musculoskeletal disorders and is associated with several problems that affect quality of life. As the musculoskeletal system is affected, it can have an impact on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). OBJECTIVE: Investigate the occurrence of PFD, such as urinary incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI), sexual problems, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), in women with FM compared to a control group composed of women without FM; and investigate the association between FM and PFD. STUDY DESIGN: This was an online cross-sectional survey. Demographic and anthropometric data, the description of PFD (UI, nocturia, AI, genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, and POP), and previous obstetric history were collected through a web-based questionnaire. The groups were compared using the independent t-test for quantitative variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. The association between FM and PFD was tested using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 175 women answered the questionnaire (97 with FM and 78 healthy controls). The women with FM reported significantly more UI, mixed urinary incontinence, AI, POP, and vaginismus than the healthy controls (p ≤ 0.05). FM was associated with mixed urinary incontinence (OR: 2.6; 95 % CI: 1.1-6.4; p = 0.04), anal incontinence (OR: 2.9; 95 % CI: 1.3-6.1; p = 0.01), and flatus incontinence (OR: 2.6; 95 % CI: 1.2-5.4; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PFD was significantly higher in women with FM compared to healthy women. Indeed, the women with FM were 2.6-fold to 2.9-fold more likely to report mixed urinary incontinence, anal and flatus incontinence than those in the control group. The present findings show possible impairment of the pelvic floor musculature in women with FM.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: As a result of the impairment of the musculoskeletal system, the pelvic floor muscles are likely compromised in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We hypothesized that women with SLE would report more symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and there will be an association between SLE and PFD. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data were collected on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, PFD (urinary incontinence, nocturia, anal incontinence, genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder and pelvic organ prolapse) and obstetric history using a web-based questionnaire. The groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test for quantitative variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. The association between SLE and PFD was tested using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 196 women answered the questionnaire (102 with SLE and 94 healthy controls). Women with SLE reported significantly more urinary incontinence, nocturia, anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder than the healthy controls (p ≤ 0.05). Women with SLE were 2.8- to 3.0-fold more likely to report genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder than healthy women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PFD was significantly higher in women with SLE compared to healthy women. Thus, PFD seems to be an important problem in women with this disease. An in-depth investigation of these disorders could contribute to the understanding of how SLE impacts pelvic floor function.

Occurrence and impact of pelvic floor dysfunction in women with and without breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: One of the sequalae of breast cancer treatments may be pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction such as urinary incontinence (UI), faecal incontinence (FI), and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence and related distress and impact of PF dysfunction between women with and without breast cancer. METHODS: Women with and without breast cancer participated in this cross-sectional study. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire were used to quantify the prevalence and related distress, and impact of PF dysfunction. Factors associated with PF outcomes were examined using logistic and linear regressions while controlling for known risk factors for PF dysfunction (age, body mass index, and parity). RESULTS: 120 women with breast cancer, and 170 women without breast cancer responded. The occurrence of any type of UI was higher in women with breast cancer than women without breast cancer (percentage difference=17%; 95% CI: 7, 29). Women with breast cancer experienced higher impact of urinary symptoms (mean difference=18.2; 95% CI: 8.9, 27.7) compared to those without. Multivariable analysis indicated that having breast cancer (ß 0.33; 95%CI: 0.08, 0.51) was the strongest predictor of greater impact of urinary symptoms. CONCLUSION: Women with breast cancer reported a higher occurrence and impact of urinary symptoms than women without breast cancer. While further studies are required to confirm our findings, routine screening and offering treatment for urinary symptoms may be indicated for women with breast cancer.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in older women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a determinant of age-related skeletal muscle weakness. In this sense, it is believed that there may be a pathophysiological association between pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and sarcopenia; however, few articles investigating an association between these two pathologies have been published. OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia in older women with PFD and verify the association between the severity of PFD and the severity of sarcopenia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in urogynaecology outpatient clinics in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Women with PFD aged ≥ 60 years were included. Women with cognitive impairments, amputations and/or limb fractures were excluded. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and PFD data were evaluated, and tests for measuring muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance were performed. RESULTS: In total, 217 women were included in this study; of these, 121 (55.8%) presented without sarcopenia, 71 (32.7%) presented with probable sarcopenia, 23 (10.6%) presented with confirmed sarcopenia, and two (0.9%) presented with severe sarcopenia. Regarding sarcopenia related to PFD, a higher prevalence of probable sarcopenia was observed in women with urinary incontinence (UI) (n = 55, 77.5%). Confirmed sarcopenia was more prevalent in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (n = 19, 82.6%); among these cases, most women had POP of the anterior, posterior and apical compartments (n = 8, 42.1%). All the women with severe sarcopenia had UI and POP and, considering the specific types of these dysfunctions, the prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 50.0% in the women with UI and POP of the anterior and apical wall. The most severe stages of POP were associated with sarcopenia (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sarcopenia in women with PFD was high. Healthcare providers who assist women with PFD should consider the possibility of assessing sarcopenia, especially when faced with more extensive POP in older women. The evaluation of sarcopenia may play a role in the management of women with PFD.

Pelvic floor dysfunction distress is correlated with quality of life, but not with muscle function.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and quality of life (QoL), as well as the function of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) in women with urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in two centers in Brazil (Northeast and Southeast regions) with women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Data on pelvic floor symptoms, discomfort and impact on QoL were collected using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-short form (PFDI-SF-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) instruments. PFM function was assessed by palpation (PERFECT scale) and manometry. Pearson's correlation test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Student's t test were used to discriminate the differences, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 72 women participated in the study (mean age 51.7 ± 11.9 years). The presence and discomfort of pelvic floor symptoms (PFDI-SF-20) were correlated with QoL (PFIQ-7) (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Deficits in PFM function (power and pressure) were observed, however, there was no correlation between these with the presence and discomfort of the pelvic floor symptoms (PFDI-SF-20). CONCLUSION: Greater discomfort due to PFD symptoms were correlated with a worse QoL. However, the relationship between symptoms and PFM function was not significant. These results reinforce the need to assess the aspects of activity and participation which compose functionality and QoL, and not only the PFM functions in women with UI.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions and associated factors in female CrossFit practitioners: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: It is known that high-impact exercises can cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and provide overload in the pelvic floor structures. We hypothesized that female CrossFit practitioners would report symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and that there will be factors associated with these dysfunctions. METHODS: The study design is an online cross-sectional survey. Demographic and anthropometric data, the characterization of CrossFit activity, the description of PFD and previous obstetric history were collected through a structured web-based questionnaire. Associations between PFD and the clinical and CrossFit-related independent variables were tested using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 828 female CrossFit practitioners answered the questionnaire. The most prevalent symptom was anal incontinence (AI) (52.7%), with flatus incontinence (FI) being the most reported (93.3%). Women who reported constipation are 1.7 times more likely to have FI, and women who practice CrossFit more than five times a week are 3.0 times more likely to have FI. Urinary incontinence(UI) affected 36% of women, and 84.2% of participants reported urinary loss during CrossFit practice. The occurrence of dyspareunia was reported by 48.7% and showed an inverse association with age and body mass index. POP was reported by only 1.4% of the sample. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of PFD in female CrossFit practitioners, with AI being the most reported symptom, especially FI. In addition, constipation and weekly training frequency were significantly associated with FI. UI occurred primarily in CrossFit exercises, and dyspareunia was the most prevalent sexual symptom.

Factors Associated with Sexual Activity for Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFDs) and identify factors associated with sexual activity (SA) status that impacts quality of life (QoL). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study that included women > 18 years old who presented with at least one PFD symptom (urinary incontinence [UI] and/or pelvic organ prolapse [POP]), in outpatient clinics specializing in urogynecology and PFD in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil, using a service evaluation form and QoL questionnaires. RESULTS: The analysis of 659 women with PFD included 286 SA (43.4%) women and 373 non-sexually active (NSA) (56.6%) women, with a mean age of 54.7 (±12) years old. The results revealed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.12) and post-menopausal status (OR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.08-4.8) were negatively associated with SA. Being married (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.88) was associated with SA. Pelvic organ prolapse (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.81-1.68) and UI (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.08-0.36) did not prevent SA. SF-36 Health Survey results indicated that only the domain functional capacity was significantly worse in NSA women (p = 0.012). Two King's Health Questionnaire domains in NSA women, impact of UI (p = 0.005) and personal relationships (p < 0.001), were significantly associated factors. Data from the Prolapse Quality-of-life Questionnaire indicated that NSA women exhibited compromised QoL. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal status and age negatively affected SA. Being married facilitated SA. Presence of POP and UI did not affect SA. However, NSA women with POP exhibited compromised QoL.

OBJETIVO: Examinar mulheres com disfunções do assoalho pélvico (DAP) e identificar fatores associados ao status de atividade sexual (AS) e impacto na qualidade de vida (QV). MéTODOS: Realizamos um estudo transversal, no qual participaram mulheres > 18 anos, que apresentaram pelo menos um sintoma de DAP (incontinência urinária [UI] e/ou prolapso de órgão pélvico [POP]), em ambulatórios especializados em uroginecologia e DAP em Fortaleza, CE, Brasil, utilizando um formulário de avaliação de serviço e questionários de QV. RESULTADOS: A análise de 659 mulheres com DAP incluiu 286 mulheres sexualmente ativas (SA) (43,4%) e 373 mulheres não sexualmente ativas (NSA) (56,6%), com idade média de 54,7 (±12) anos. Os resultados revelaram que idade (odds ratio [OR] = 1,07; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,03­1,12) e status pós-menopausa (OR = 2,28; IC 95% 1,08­4,8) foram negativamente associados à atividade sexual. O casamento (OR = 0,43; IC 95% 0,21­0,88) foi associado à AS. Por outro lado, POP (OR = 1,16; IC 95% 0,81­1,68) e IU (OR = 0,17; IC 95% 0,08­0,36) não impediram a AS. Os resultados do SF-36 Health Survey indicaram que apenas a capacidade funcional do domínio (p = 0,012) foi significativamente pior em mulheres NSA. Dois domínios King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ, na sigla em inglês) em mulheres NSA, impacto da IU (p = 0,005) e relacionamento pessoal (p < 0,001), foram fatores significativamente associados. Os dados do Prolapse Quality-of-life Questionnaire (P-QoL, na sigla em inglês) indicaram que as mulheres NSA apresentavam QV comprometida. CONCLUSãO: O status pós-menopausa e a idade afetaram negativamente a AS, enquanto o casamento facilitou a AS. A presença de POP e IU não afetou a AS. No entanto, as mulheres NSA com POP apresentaram QV comprometida.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in female cheerleaders: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Cheerleaders perform high-impact maneuvers that can be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. We hypothesized that female cheerleaders would report more symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and fewer symptoms of premenstrual syndrome than nonathletic women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included high-performance female cheerleaders and young nonathletic, nulliparous, and normal-weight females. Demographics, sports practices, and pelvic floor dysfunction data were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Urinary symptoms were collected through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and King's Health Questionnaire. Intestinal symptoms were collected through the use of Criterion F of item C3, referring to functional constipation of Rome III and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Data on sexual function were collected through the Female Sexual Function Index. Data on pelvic organ prolapse were obtained through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS). In addition, questions about premenstrual syndrome-dysmenorrhea, irritability, headache, tiredness, fluid retention, and constipation-were collected through the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire. The comparison between groups of the quantitative variables was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for comparison between groups on the occurrence of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction symptoms. A significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: A total of 156 women (78 cheerleaders and 76 nonathletes) completed the electronic questionnaire. Anal incontinence was the most prevalent symptom of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Cheerleaders were 2.3 times more likely to report symptoms regarding anal incontinence than nonathletic women. For the other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, no statistical differences between the groups were found. Cheerleaders reported fewer symptoms of tiredness and constipation during the premenstrual period than did nonathletic women. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly anal incontinence, appears to be more prevalent among cheerleaders than among nonathletic women. In addition, cheerleaders demonstrated fewer symptoms of tiredness and constipation during the premenstrual period.

Factors associated with sexual activity for women with pelvic floor dysfunction - a cross-sectional study / Fatores associados à atividade sexual de mulheres com distúrbios do assoalho pélvico - um estudo transversal

Abstract Objective To examine women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFDs) and identify factors associated with sexual activity (SA) status that impacts quality of life (QoL). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study that includedwomen> 18 years old who presented with at least one PFD symptom (urinary incontinence [UI] and/or pelvic organ prolapse [POP]), in outpatient clinics specializing in urogynecology and PFD in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil, using a service evaluation form and QoL questionnaires. Results The analysis of 659 women with PFD included 286 SA (43.4%) women and 373 non-sexually active (NSA) (56.6%) women, with a mean age of 54.7 (±12) years old. The results revealed that age (odds ratio [OR]= 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.12) and post-menopausal status (OR= 2.28, 95% CI 1.08-4.8) were negatively associated with SA. Being married (OR= 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.88) was associated with SA. Pelvic organ prolapse (OR= 1.16, 95% CI 0.81-1.68) and UI (OR= 0.17, 95% CI 0.08-0.36) did not prevent SA. SF-36 Health Survey results indicated that only the domain functional capacity was significantly worse in NSA women (p= 0.012). Two King's Health Questionnaire domains in NSA women, impact of UI (p= 0.005) and personal relationships (p< 0.001), were significantly associated factors. Data from the Prolapse Quality-of-life Questionnaire indicated that NSA women exhibited compromised QoL. Conclusion Postmenopausal status and age negatively affected SA. Being married facilitated SA. Presence of POP and UI did not affect SA. However, NSAwomen with POP exhibited compromised QoL.

Resumo Objetivo Examinar mulheres com disfunções do assoalho pélvico (DAP) e identificar fatores associados ao status de atividade sexual (AS) e impacto na qualidade de vida (QV). Métodos Realizamos um estudo transversal, no qual participaram mulheres > 18 anos, que apresentaram pelo menos um sintoma de DAP (incontinência urinária [UI] e/ou prolapso de órgão pélvico [POP]), em ambulatórios especializados em uroginecologia e DAP emFortaleza, CE, Brasil, utilizando um formulário de avaliação de serviço e questionários de QV. Resultados A análise de 659 mulheres comDAP incluiu 286 mulheres sexualmente ativas (SA) (43,4%) e 373 mulheres não sexualmente ativas (NSA) (56,6%), com idade média de 54,7 (±12) anos. Os resultados revelaram que idade (odds ratio [OR]= 1,07; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,03-1,12) e status pós-menopausa (OR= 2,28; IC 95% 1,08-4,8) foram negativamente associados à atividade sexual. O casamento (OR= 0,43; IC 95% 0,21-0,88) foi associado à AS. Por outro lado, POP (OR= 1,16; IC 95% 0,81-1,68) e IU (OR= 0,17; IC 95% 0,08-0,36) não impediram a AS. Os resultados do SF-36 Health Survey indicaram que apenas a capacidade funcional do domínio (p = 0,012) foi significativamente pior em mulheres NSA. Dois domínios King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ, na sigla em inglês) em mulheres NSA, impacto da IU (p = 0,005) e relacionamento pessoal (p< 0,001), foram fatores significativamente associados. Os dados do Prolapse Qualityof- life Questionnaire (P-QoL, na sigla em inglês) indicaram que as mulheres NSA apresentavam QV comprometida. Conclusão O status pós-menopausa e a idade afetaram negativamente a AS, enquanto o casamento facilitou a AS. A presença de POP e IU não afetou a AS. No entanto, as mulheres NSA com POP apresentaram QV comprometida.

A systematic review of the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of pelvic floor dysfunctions in nurses.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of pelvic floor dysfunctions in female nurses. DESIGN: A systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted in the following five electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, LILACS, SCIELO, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. There were no period or language limitations. REVIEW METHODS: Data extraction and synthesis were conducted and the appraisal of the quality of the studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool checklist for prevalence data. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies were included. The symptoms investigated were lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary incontinence and its subtypes, sexual dysfunctions, constipation, faecal incontinence, and dual incontinence. Overall, prevalence ranged from 9.9% to 89.6%. Associated factors related to occupational roles were lifting heavy weights and poor bladder habits. Quality of life was significantly worse for nurses with pelvic floor disorders. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor dysfunctions are very common among female nurses, considerably affecting their quality of life. Additional studies are needed to investigate the impact on work productivity, causal relationships with the occupation and the performance of prevention and treatment interventions directed toward this population.

Transcultural translation and validation of the FIGO Assessment Scoring System (FASS) to Portuguese language.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Assessment Scoring System (FASS) to identify and quantify signs and symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-nine women aged 18-82 (47.68 ± 14.42) years participated in this validation study. Collected data included a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, application of the FASS, and physical examination using the Pelvic Prgan Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation were performed following the international methodology. The psychometric properties tested were criterion validity, construct validity, stability, and reliability. For this purpose, the comparison with POP-Q findings and between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, test-retest and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) were used, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the level of agreement between evaluations (inter- and intraobservers). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.76, indicating strong reliability for the validation sample. Symptomatic women had different scores on all FASS items as well as total score when compared with asymptomatic women (p < 0.001). Intraobserver coefficient ranged from 0.91 (urinary symptoms) to 0.98 (FASS total score), indicating excellent concordance level in all items. Interobserver coefficient ranged from 0.47 (intestinal symptoms) to 0.90 (FASS total score), indicating moderate to excellent correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties tested in the FASS Portuguese version proved to be a valid and reliable for evaluating signs and symptoms related to pelvic floor function in Brazilian women.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the pelvic floor bother questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ) was designed to identify the presence and degree of bother associated with common pelvic floor symptoms. The PFBQ can be used in clinical practice and for research purposes, but it is not available in Brazilian Portuguese. We aimed to validate a cross-culturally adapted Brazilian Portuguese version of the PFBQ. METHODS: A pilot-tested version of the PFBQ translated from English was evaluated with Brazilian patients suffering from pelvic floor disorders. Internal reliability, test-retest reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients (mean age, 60.49 years) were enrolled in the study. The Brazilian Portuguese version of the PFBQ demonstrated good reliability (α = 0.625; ICC = 0.981). There was strong agreement beyond chance for each item (κ = 0.895-1.00). The PFBQ correlated with stage of prolapse (p < 0.01), number of urinary (ρ = 0.791, p < 0.001) and fecal (ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001) incontinence episodes, and obstructed defecation (ρ = 0.875, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the PFBQ is a reliable, valid, and user-friendly instrument that can be used for assessing the presence and severity of pelvic floor symptoms in clinical and research settings in Brazil.

Incontinência dupla: fatores associados e impacto sobre a qualidade de vida em mulheres atendidas em serviço de referência / Double incontinence: associated factors and impact on the quality of life of women attended at a health referral service

OBJETIVO: Avaliar, em uma população feminina com incontinência urinária, a prevalência de incontinência dupla, seus fatores associados e seu impacto sobre a qualidade de vida. MÉTIDO: Estudo transversal em mulheres com incontinência urinária ou dupla (incontinência urinária e fecal) atendidas em um hospital terciário do Sistema Único de Saúde. Foram colhidas informações sociodemográficas e clínicas, e a qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio de questionários validados. A associação entre as variáveis e os tipos de disfunção (incontinência urinária e dupla) e com a pior percepção geral de saúde foi determinada pelos testes de Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado e Fisher. RESULTADOS: A amostra do estudo foi composta por 227 mulheres, das quais 120 (52,9%) eram idosas. A prevalência de incontinência dupla foi de 14,1%, e os fatores a ela associados foram maior número de comorbidades (p-valor=0,04), polifarmácia (p-valor=0,04) e presença de retocele (p-valor=0,02). Mostraram associação com pior percepção geral de saúde o IMC (quanto maior, pior; p-valor=0,02) e maior número de comorbidades (p-valor=0,05), mas não a incontinência dupla (p-valor=0,36). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de incontinência dupla foi diferente da encontrada em estudos realizados em cenários semelhantes. A população estudada apresenta baixos escores de percepção geral de saúde, mas a incontinência dupla não esteve associada a tais escores. A presença de múltiplas comorbidades está associada tanto à presença de incontinência dupla quanto à pior percepção geral de saúde. AU

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, associated factors, and impact on quality of life of double incontinence in a group of women with urinary incontinence. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed, including female patients with urinary or double incontinence (urinary and fecal incontinence) treated at a tertiary hospital from the public healthcare system. Information about sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was collected, and quality of life was assessed using validated questionnaires. The Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher tests were used to evaluate the association between the variables and the types of dysfunction (urinary or double incontinence) and a worse general health perception. RESULTS: Of 227 incontinent women included in the study, 120 (52,9%) were older individuals. The prevalence of double incontinence was 14.1% (32 patients). Double incontinence was associated with a higher number of comorbidities (p-value=0.04), polypharmacy (p-value=0.04), and rectocele (p-valor=0.02). Higher BMI (p-value=0.02) and number of comorbidities (p-value=0.05), but not double incontinence (p-value=0.36), were associated with low general health perception scores. CONCLUSION: the prevalence of double incontinence was different from other studies conducted in similar scenarios. The group of women included in the study presented low general health perception scores, but this was not associated with the presence of double incontinence. A higher number of comorbidities was associated with both double incontinence and a lower general health perception. AU

Pelvic floor dysfunction in the immediate puerperium, and 1 and 3 months after vaginal or cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and assess postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) between vaginal delivery, elective cesarean delivery (ECD), and intrapartum cesarean delivery (ICD). METHODS: The present prospective observational study included women aged at least 18 years with no history of pelvic surgery or lower urinary tract malformation, and who had not undergone pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training in the preceding 12 months, who underwent delivery at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil between August 1, 2016, and May 31, 2017. Participants were assessed at 48 hours (phase 1), 1 month (phase 2), and 3 months (phase 3) after delivery. Assessments included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, Short Form (ICIQ-SF); the Jorge-Wexner anal incontinence scale; a self-rated visual analog scale for pelvic pain; the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system; and a PFM perineometer. RESULTS: A total of 227 women were assessed in phase 1 (141 vaginal deliveries; 28 ICDs; and 58 ECDs), 79 in phase 2, and 41 in phase 3. The ICIQ-SF, Jorge-Wexner scale, visual analog scale, and perineometer measurements did not identify significant differences in relation to the type of delivery (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The type of delivery was not associated with differences in the short-term development of postpartum PFD.

Association between pelvic floor dysfunction, and clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation in primiparous women: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Disorders related to pelvic floor include urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain. Because pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) can be diagnosed clinically, imaging techniques serve as auxiliary tools for establishing an accurate diagnosis. The objective is to evaluate the PFD in primiparous women after vaginal delivery and the association between clinical examination and three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a in tertiary maternity. All primiparous women with vaginal deliveries that occurred between January 2013 and December 2015 were invited. Women who attended the invitation underwent detailed anamnesis, questionnaire application, physical examination and endovaginal and endoanal 3DUS. Crude and adjusted predictor factors for PFD were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty women were evaluated. Sexual dysfunction was the most prevalent PFD (64.6%). When associated with clinical features and PFD, oxytocin use increased by approximately four times the odds of UI (crude OR 4.182, 95% CI 1.149-15.219). During the multivariate analysis, the odds of UI were increased in forceps use by approximately 11 times (adjusted OR 11.552, 95% CI 11.155-115.577). When the clinical and obstetrical predictors for PFD were associated with 3DUS, forceps increased the odds of lesion of the pubovisceral muscle and anal sphincter diagnosed by 3DUS by sixfold (crude OR 6.000, 95% CI 1.172-30.725), and in multivariate analysis forceps again increased the odds of injury by approximately 7 times (adjusted OR 7.778, 95% CI 1.380-43.846). CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction was the most frequent PFD. The use of forceps in primiparous women was associated with a greater chance of UI and pelvic floor muscle damage diagnosed by 3DUS.