Community Prevalence and Predictors of Pelvic Floor-Related Symptoms in Saudi Men: Implications for Physiotherapy-Led Care.

Background

Research in pelvic floor muscle-related symptoms (PFM-related symptoms) in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Clearer identification of symptom burden and its predictors is needed to guide physiotherapy strategies for prevention and management.

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence of PFM-related symptoms among adult Saudi men and identify behavioral and lifestyle predictors associated with symptom burden.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 458 men aged >18 years from the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. PFM-related symptoms were assessed using five items adapted from the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), their impact using five items from the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), and urinary incontinence using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and binary logistic regression.

Results

Urinary incontinence was reported by 14% (86% reported none), but 19% disclosed regular "preventive" voiding. Symptom incidence increased with age (p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified smoking (OR = 1.34, p = 0.029) and preventive voiding (OR = 1.54, p = 0.002) as significant predictors of greater symptom burden.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for physiotherapy-led strategies in primary care, prioritizing smoking-cessation support and structured bladder training, with escalation when required. Prospective studies are needed to confirm temporality and to develop a practical rehabilitation pathway for men.