The Impact of Postpartum Urinary Incontinence on the Quality of Life, Stigma, and Postpartum Depression of Postpartum Women in Quanshan and Daqinjia Community Health Services Center

Mengzhen Zhang, Anna Liza Alfonso

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¹ Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing, Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes Street, Sampaloc, Manila 1015, Philippines,

IJGPN 2025 , 3(2), 36–48; https://doi.org/10.26689/ijgpn.v3i2.10823

© 2025 by the Authors. Licensee Whioce Publishing, Singapore. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PPUI, factors influencing it, and its association with quality of life, stigma, and postpartum depression. PPUI is generally linked to a low quality of life and poor mental health, though related studies from China are limited. Methods: The study involved postpartum women within 6 months in two communities of Zhaoyuan City. A quantitative, descriptive design was used, assessing PPUI, quality of life, stigma, and postpartum depression using the ICIQ-SF, I-QOL, SIS, and EPDS scales. Data collection included personal and postpartum life information. Results: The prevalence of PPUI was 31.37%. Women with PPUI had significantly lower quality of life and higher stigma compared to those without PPUI, with severity linked to worse outcomes (P < 0.001). While the impact on postpartum depression was not statistically significant (P = 0.59), moderate PPUI was associated with higher depression scores (P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that PPUI severity significantly affected quality of life, stigma, and postpartum depression (Wilk’s Lambda = 0.494, P < 0.001). Women with moderate incontinence reported the worst quality of life, highest stigma, and more severe depression symptoms. Conclusion: Postpartum urinary incontinence significantly impacts quality of life and stigma, with moderate symptoms linked to increased postpartum depression. Early intervention and support from family and community are crucial for recovery. Strengthening pelvic floor training, raising public awareness, and reducing stigma are recommended. Further studies should explore the relationship between PPUI and postpartum depression and develop interventions to improve quality of life.

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