The associations of postpartum urinary incontinence with depression, anxiety, and stress among women in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: After delivery, the psychological status of women may go through several critical stages. Postpartum urinary incontinence (PPUI) might be one factor that affects mental health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the variables associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in women with PPUI using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS). Methods: A cross-sectional study of 813 Saudi women. Participants were asked to complete an online DASS and provide demographic information. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between variables and DASS. Results: Of those who experienced PPUI, 45.6% (n = 108, p value < 0.01) had a BMI ≥ 30, and 44.4% (n = 107, p value = 0.00) had more than 4 children. In the multivariate regression model, BMI (≥ 30 odds ratio: 1.2, p = 0.14), number of children (p = 0.03), type of delivery (caesarian delivery odds ratio: 1.5, p = 0.25), and severity of UI (severe UI odds ratio: 4.6, p = 0.00) were significantly associated with moderate to severe depression. In the multivariate regression model, BMI (≥ 30 odds ratio: 1.2, p = 0.05) and severity of UI (severe UI odds ratio: 3.7, p = 0.00) were significantly associated with moderate to severe anxiety. In the multivariate regression model, caesarian delivery (odds ratio: 1.9, p = 0.05) and severity of UI (severe UI odds ratio: 6.3, p = 0.00) were significantly associated with moderate to severe stress. Conclusions: A high prevalence of anxiety was observed in postpartum women. Severity of PPUI was strongly associated with moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress in PPUI women.