Pelvic floor muscle strength screening and analysis of its related factors among migrant women in the Pearl River Delta / 南方医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence and related factors of abnormal pelvic floor muscle strength and provide theoretical evidence for the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1008 migrant women in hospitals of Guangzhou and Foshan were screened for pelvic floor strength at 42 days postpartum from Oct, 2013 to July, 2014. EMG biofeedback equipment was employed to assess the strength of type I and II muscle fiber and a questionnaire was designed to record its related factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence of abnormal type I and II muscle fiber strength was 49.21% and 49.60%, respectively. No statistical significance was observed in the abnormal rates among women with different ages or occupations. Compared with women who chose vaginal delivery, women with cesarean section had significantly reduced abnormal rates. A negative correlation was found between parity and type I and II muscle fiber strength.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The delivery mode and parity are factors affecting pelvic floor muscle strength among migrant women in the Pearl River Delta, suggesting the necessity of health education and promotion of family planning policy.</p>