PREVALENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND AWARENESS OF PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Dr Maryam Fatima; Dr Khadija Usman; Dr Okasha Anjum

doi:10.71146/kjmr969

Authors

Dr Maryam Fatima Principal Investigator, DPT, Indus University, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. Author
Dr Khadija Usman Lecturer, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Karachi, Indus University, Karachi, Pakistan. Author
Dr Okasha Anjum Head of Department, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Karachi, Indus University, Karachi, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71146/kjmr969

Keywords:

Pelvic floor disorder, Urinary incontinence, Pelvic organ prolapse, Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common among women, particularly during pregnancy due to hormonal and mechanical changes affecting pelvic support. These conditions can negatively impact quality of life if not recognized early. However, knowledge and awareness of PFDs among pregnant women remain limited, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Therefore, assessing their prevalence, knowledge, and awareness in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi is important to identify gaps and improve preventive care.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: This study will be cross-sectional descriptive study. It will be a non-probability purposive sampling technique to assess the prevalence, knowledge, and awareness of pelvic floor disorders among pregnant women in tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan. Data will be collected using validated questionnaires (PIKQ and PFDI-20) over a period of six months, and analyzed using SPSS with appropriate statistical methods.

Result: A total of 151 pregnant women participated in the study, with the majority (55.0%) aged 23–35 years. Knowledge and awareness regarding pelvic floor disorders were moderate, although several misconceptions regarding diagnosis and treatment were identified. PFDI-20 findings revealed a high prevalence of pelvic floor symptoms, particularly lower abdominal pressure (76.8%), frequent urination (74.2%), urinary leakage (72.1%), and bowel-related symptoms (72.2%). Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and colorectal distress were commonly reported. These findings indicate a substantial burden of pelvic floor disorders among pregnant women attending the tertiary care hospital.

Conclusion: The present study found a high prevalence of pelvic floor disorder symptoms among pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, with common urinary, bowel, and prolapse-related complaints. Although some awareness existed, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions were observed. These results highlight the need for routine screening, education, and early intervention in antenatal care to improve pelvic floor health and quality of life.

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