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.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and social determinants in primary care users in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Although lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have considerable clinical relevance, few propose evaluating its association with social conditions. Our study aimed to evaluate LUTS prevalence in primary care and its association with the social determinants of health (SDH). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 322 females in the period of June to October 2016 that carried out consultations and screening to prevent gynecological cancer in a primary care unit. RESULTS: The ages ranged from 18 to 85 years (M = 40.53). Storage symptoms had a higher overall prevalence (64.6%), highlighting nocturia (n = 186, 57.8%) and urinary incontinence (n = 120, 37.3%). Storage symptoms were associated with three layers of SDH. The voiding and postmicturition symptoms were only related to operative vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest a relationship between SDH and LUTS. It is important to emphasize that the results not only imply a causal relationship, but also point to the social inequalities existing at a population level.