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Faecal incontinence persisting after childbirth: a 12 year longitudinal study.
C MacArthur1, D Wilson2, P Herbison3
1Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|November 30, 2012
Summary
Persistent fecal incontinence (FI) affects 6% of women 12 years postpartum, with forceps delivery and obesity increasing risk. Exclusive cesarean birth showed no association with long-term FI.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Longitudinal Cohort Studies
Background:
- Faecal incontinence (FI) can persist long after childbirth, impacting women's quality of life.
- Understanding the long-term consequences of delivery mode on FI is crucial for maternal healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence of faecal incontinence (FI) 12 years after childbirth.
- To examine the association between delivery mode history and persistent FI.
- To assess the impact of persistent FI on women's quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A 12-year longitudinal study involving women from maternity units in Aberdeen, Birmingham, and Dunedin.
- Data collected via questionnaires at 3 months, 6 years, and 12 years postpartum.
- Persistent FI defined as reported FI at 12 years with one or more previous reports; quality of life assessed using SF12.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of persistent FI was 6.0% (227/3763) at 12 years postpartum.
- Women with persistent FI reported significantly lower quality of life (SF12 scores).
- Forceps delivery (OR 2.08) and obesity (OR 1.52) were associated with increased likelihood of persistent FI, while exclusive cesarean birth showed no association (OR 0.93).
Conclusions:
- Faecal incontinence can persist for many years after childbirth.
- Forceps delivery is a risk factor for persistent FI, whereas exclusive cesarean delivery is not.
- Obesity is a modifiable risk factor associated with increased likelihood of persistent FI.
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