Knowledge, self-perception and ability of pelvic floor muscle contraction among Nepalese women with urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) should be the first-line treatment for women with urinary incontinence (UI). We assumed that Nepali women may have an unreliable perception of how to contract the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). This study aimed to (1) investigate knowledge of UI, PFM, and PFMT, (2) examine the self-perceived ability of PFM contraction compared to actual ability assessed by digital palpation, and (3) investigate the association between socio-demographic, background factors, and the ability to perform a correct PFM contraction, in Nepali women with UI.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 72 women between 18-45 years with a UI score ≥ 3 (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form). Background variables, knowledge regarding UI, PFM, PFMT, and self-perception of ability to contract the PFM were assessed through a questionnaire. Digital palpation examined the ability to perform a correct PFM contraction.

RESULTS

Less than 30% knew about UI, and 5% reported that they knew about PFM and PFMT. Seventy-one percent perceived that they could contract the PFM, while only 24% could perform a correct contraction. Seventeen percent were straining instead of performing a squeeze and lift of the PFM. Work responsibilities, including fetching water and working in a squatting position, were more common among women unable to perform a correct PFM contraction.

CONCLUSION

Nepali women showed low knowledge about UI, PFM, and PFMT. Despite most women perceiving they could contract the PFM, less than one-third were able to perform a correct contraction. PFMT should not rely solely on self-perception; instead, proper clinical assessment and supervised training are warranted.