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The nature and severity of urinary incontinence in post-natal women
Bev O'Connell
Chair in Acute Nursing, Cabrini Hospital; Deakin University Nursing, Professorial Unit, Malvern VIC
Barbara Hanna
Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC
Susan Bailey
Senior Lecturer, Faculty Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong VIC
Helen Walsh
Health Promotion Officer, Department of Human Services (Barwon SouthWestern Region), Geelong VIC
Amy Prosser
Research Assistant, Cabrini Hospital, Deakin University Nursing, Professorial Unit, Malvern VIC
Abstract
This study investigated the frequency, nature and experience of urinary incontinence in post-natal women. Surveys were completed by 224 women, 50% of whom indicated that they had experienced accidental urine loss. The majority of women who had experienced any symptoms were moderately to greatly bothered by them. A variety of strategies were used to manage the problem; however, 42% of the women who experienced accidental urine loss had taken no action to ease the problem. Women received information about urinary incontinence and pelvic floor exercises from a variety of health care professionals, but this was not consistently provided. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Keywords
urinary incontinence, post-natal
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