Disfunções do assoalho pélvico e o contexto sociodemográfico de idosas residentes na zona rural e na zona urbana do Sertão Paraibano

Abstract

Introduction: The aging process in women is characterized by specific singularities. Sociodemographic dimensions directly influence this health-disease process. The presence of conditions such as Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction (PFMD) can result in serious impairments in the quality of life for this population. Objective: To compare self-reported symptoms of PFMD among elderly women in rural and urban areas. Method: A crosssectional analytical study with a qualitative-quantitative design conducted from July 2022 to August 2023 with 50 women, where: (City Group: CG=25 and Rural Group: RG=25), residing in the rural and urban areas of the municipality of Santa Cruz, Paraíba. The sample was selected for convenience, following eligibility criteria: women aged ≥60 years residing in rural or urban areas no changes in their cognitive ability. Data collection occurred through a semi-structured interview, in addition to the administration of questionnaires: sociodemographic, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Sexual Quotient – Female Version (SQ-F), and Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36). For statistical analysis, the data were descriptively treated using median and interquartile range, mean and standard deviation, as well as the Shapiro-Wilk test for data normality evaluation and Mann-Whitney test for intergroup analysis of variables. Results: In the sociodemographic profile analysis, the RG showed higher age, lower average monthly income, and a greater distance to the health unit (p=0.018, p=0.001, p=0.007, respectively). The RG was responsible for a higher intensity of PFMD reports, especially urinary symptoms (p=0.016 and p=0.011) assessed by PFDI-20; the same group showed a higher frequency of urine loss (p=0.023) and a greater impact on the quality of life (p=0.027). 80% of elderly women in the CG and 84% in the RG reported having some type of PFMD, with isolated urinary incontinence (UI) being the most common condition in both groups (CG=52% and RG=56%). There was no difference in intergroup analysis of the sexual function of elderly women (p=0.138). Conclusion: The place of residence showed a small effect on the occurrence of pelvic discomfort symptoms among elderly women. Heterogeneous sociodemographic characteristics belonging to the groups, such as illiteracy rate, distances to health units, presence of comorbidity, and overweight, may be considered influential factors.