Prevalence and related factors of self-reported urinary incontinence in the postpartum period

Objectives: To verify the prevalence of self-reported urinary incontinence (UI) in women after childbirth, and to identify related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted between January and August 2009. We interviewed 288 women, who were 30 days to 6 months postpartum. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of self-reported postpartum UI was 24.6%. The average age of women was 26 years; only skin color showed a statistically significant difference, with the largest representation among white women. Among the 71 women who reported postpartum UI, the majority were primiparas and underwent normal delivery. Conclusion: The occurrence of self-reported urinary incontinence after childbirth is associated with skin color, predominantly in primiparous women as compared to non primiparous. Identification of factors related to UI in women after childbirth and its prevalence contribute to the planning of midwifery care for women who experience reproductive events.