Depression symptoms in women with pelvic floor dysfunction: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Urogynecology
• Mental Health
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects a significant number of women, encompassing conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence.
• The psychological impact of PFD, particularly concerning depression and its effect on quality of life (QOL), requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of depression symptoms in women diagnosed with PFD.
• To assess the impact of PFD on the quality of life (QOL) of affected women.
• To explore the association between PFD, depression symptoms, and QOL.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted involving 100 women with PFD and 100 controls without PFD symptoms.
• Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires including the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and Beck Inventory Scale for Depression.
• Data analysis compared depression prevalence, severity, and QOL scores between women with PFD and the control group.

Main Results:

• Women with PFD exhibited a threefold higher prevalence of depression symptoms compared to controls (43% vs. 14%, P<0.001).
• A statistically significant association was found between PFD and higher BMI in patients.
• Quality of life (QOL) scores were significantly poorer in PFD patients who also experienced depression (P-values ranging from 0.024 to <0.001).

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and depression symptoms.
• Women with PFD and co-occurring depression report significantly lower quality of life (QOL).
• These findings underscore the importance of screening for depression in women with PFD and integrating mental health support into urogynecological care.