Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms and knowledge level and quality of life in systemic sclerosis women

This study compared the pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms, knowledge level and quality of life inwomen with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy. The study included 30 SSc and 30 healthy women. The presence and severity of PFD symptoms were evaluated using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) (Subscales: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6), Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8), and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6)). The impact of PFD on women's lives was evaluated using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7). Participants' knowledge levels were assessed using the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) and the Anal Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (AIKQ). The SSc group scored significantly higher than controls across all measures: PFIQ-7, POPDI-6, CRADI-8, UDI-6, and PFDI-20 (<i>p</i> < .005). SSc group also knew less about PFD treatment and management strategies compared to controls (<i>p</i> < .05). In women with SSc, knowledge levels about the pelvic floor were lower and PFD severity was higher than in healthy women. Integrating PFD education into routine rehabilitation for women with scleroderma may help improve quality of life.