Risk Factors for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postpartum Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ubud Village

Introduction: The postpartum period is a critical recovery phase for women, during which the reproductive system undergoes substantial physiological changes, including alterations in the pelvic floor muscles. These changes can predispose women to stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a prevalent yet underrecognized condition that negatively affects quality of life. Previous studies have reported a prevalence of 8.8% in Indonesia, with multiple risk factors contributing to its occurrence. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with SUI in postpartum women in Ubud Village. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 93 postpartum women within one year after delivery who were registered in Ubud Village. Data collection employed the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), which demonstrates high reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.97) and sensitivity for diagnosing SUI. Additional structured questions assessed relevant risk factors. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between several risk factors and SUI. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that engaging in exercise for ≥12 weeks before delivery (OR=8.5, 95% CI=2.3–31.7), delivery before 40 weeks’ gestation (OR=6.8, 95% CI=1.8–26.7), and high pre-pregnancy body mass index (OR=2.3, 95% CI=1.0–5.0) were independent predictors of SUI. Cesarean delivery showed a protective effect (OR=0.21, 95% CI=0.1–0.8). Conclusion: All examined risk factors demonstrated significant associations with SUI, with pre-delivery exercise of ≥12 weeks emerging as the most influential predictor. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies and targeted physiotherapy interventions to mitigate SUI risk in postpartum women.