Care-seeking behaviors and risk factors in women with postpartum urinary incontinence

Background This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and care-seeking practices of Saudi women, as well as to identify the risk factors associated with postpartum urinary incontinence (PPUI). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 813 postpartum Saudi Arabian women, selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected via an online questionnaire comprising sections on demographic information, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire–Short Form (IIQ-7), and items assessing participants’ attitudes and practices related to seeking care. Results The prevalence of PPUI among Saudi women was 29.6% ( n = 241), with 15.8% ( n = 38) reporting symptoms occurring several times a day. Over 20% of participants perceived that PPUI significantly interfered with their daily lives. Furthermore, 56.5% ( n = 459) believed that urinary incontinence (UI) is a normal consequence of childbirth, and approximately two-thirds (67.3%) considered it a temporary condition that resolves over time. Among those experiencing PPUI, 66.4% did not seek medical care, while 34.9% reported seeking advice from their parents. Symptom severity was significantly associated with care-seeking, as 56.1% of those who sought care reported severe or extremely severe UI ( p = 0.003; odds ratio = 4.595). Conclusion This study identified a high prevalence of Saudi women who did not seek care for PPUI, with a positive correlation between seeking care and symptom severity. Additionally, a lack of accurate knowledge about PPUI and its risk factors was observed even among highly educated women, indicating a gap in health education and awareness.