A study of quality of life in primigravidae with urinary incontinence.
This study aimed to establish the prevalence and effect of urinary incontinence on quality of life during pregnancy and after parturition. A prospective cohort of primigravidae was recruited. The Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) was self-administered antenatally (34 weeks to term) and postnatally (3 months after delivery). Four hundred ninety-two primigravidae were recruited. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was reported as: pre-pregnancy 3.5% (17/492), antenatal 35.6% (175/492), 3-5 days postpartum 13.7% (51/370) and 3 months postnatal 13.0% (47/362). Most women with urinary incontinence experienced an impact on quality of life antenatally (54.3%) and postnatally (71.1%), although those experiencing an impact usually reported it as 'a little' (75.8 and 87.5%). There was a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence after forceps delivery ( p<0.05) but not of greater impairment in quality of life ( p>0.05). Personal and general health deteriorated postnatally ( p<0.05). During pregnancy most women with urinary incontinence experience minimal impact on quality of life. Postnatally, other causes of morbidity may contribute to worsening of general and personal health.
Dolan
Lucia M
LM
Urogynaecology Subspecialty Trainee, Directorate of Women's Services, Royal Victoria Infirmary, NE1 4LP, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Dolanlm@aol.com
Walsh
Deirdre
D
Hamilton
Shona
S
Marshall
Kaye
K
Thompson
Kate
K
Ashe
Robin G
RG
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps; D036801:Parturition; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology