(PNM-45) Profile of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause: urinary incontinence and quality of life

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life (QoL) of women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), considering sociodemographic and clinical aspects, as well as symptom severity. Material and Methods The University of Caxias do Sul (UCS) Research Ethics Committee approved this cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective study that included 61 postmenopausal women samples, with UI symptoms and no urinary tract infection history. Data was collected from medical records at the UCS outpatient clinic. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was employed to evaluate UI frequency, severity, and impact. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, applying ANOVA with a 5% significance level. Results The sample age mean was 60, with menopause in average at 48 years. The majority (83.6%) reported a very severe impact of UI on their QoL. Mixed UI (41%) was the most prevalent type, followed by stress UI. No statistically significant differences were found relating to UI types and QoL impact. Regarding obstetric history, multiparity emerged as a relevant factor, with an average of three pregnancies, predominantly vaginal deliveries, and episiotomy performed in 54.1% of cases. The mean BMI was 28.62 kg/m2, indicating overweight according to WHO criteria. As for risk factors, 32.8% of the participants reported chronic constipation, and a high frequency of daily consumption of certain irritative foods was observed, including coffee (73.8%), yerba mate (41%), and chocolate (52.5%). Conclusion The results showed a severe impact of UI on the QoL in women with GSM, related to the high prevalence of known risk factors, including multiparity, episiotomy, constipation, overweight and consumption of irritative foods. These findings underscore the urgent need for public health strategies aimed at supporting peri and postmenopausal women to improve their QoL. Financing No conflict.