Cross-sectional study of female pelvic floor dysfunction in a Hungarian population

Introduction and objective: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can cause several complaints in women and has an adverse effect on the quality of life (Qol). The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction and its effect on Qol. Method: 203 women were included. We used two questionnaires, a self-constructed and the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 20.0. Spearman's correlation, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis tests and multivariate linear regression were used. Statistical significance was set at p=0.05. Results: There was a significant association between the prevalence of urinary incontinence (56.2%) and age (p<0.001), obesity (p<0.001), number and mode of deliveries (p<0.001; p<0.001), episiotomy (p<0.001) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery (p = 0.010); between the occurrence of POP (27.1%) and age (p = 0.002), the number and mode of deliveries (p<0.001; p<0.001) and episiotomy (p<0.001); between the prevalence of anal incontinence (58.9%) and obesity (p = 0.029); between sexual dysfunction (SD) (53.2%) and respiratory disease and allergy (p = 0.048). Multiple PFD was significantly associated with age (p<0.001), obesity (p = 0.043), hysterectomy (p = 0.046) and POP surgery (p = 0.010). There was a significant difference between women having more severe PFD than milder complaints regarding Qol (bladder p<0.001; bowel p<0.001; SD p<0.001 and POP p<0.001). Conclusion: Pelvic floor dysfunction was common in our study population and had a great adverse effect on Qol.