| Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI) cause concern, social exclusion, and ultimately reduced quality of life
in women. The aim of present study was to assess the prevalence and related risk factors of UI, AI, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Methods: The present study recruited 340 menopausal women living in Tabriz in northwest Iran. The data collection tools included the
Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 and a personal and social information questionnaire. POP was diagnosed via clinical examination using
the simplified pelvic organ prolapse quantification system.
Results: The prevalence of UI and POP was approximately 50%, and approximately 16% of participants reported AI. Based on the odds
ratios, the most remarkable risk factor of urinary stress incontinence was the number of vaginal deliveries, whereas that of urinary urge
incontinence was obesity. Episiotomy and age were the most major risk factors of AI and POP, respectively.
Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of POP, UI, and AI is remarkably high among postmenopausal
women, warranting the need to prioritize the assessment of POP and various incontinences in middle-aged women in the primary health
care system. Furthermore, increased emphasis should be put on modifiable risk factors. |