Pelvic floor disorders and body image in women: a cross-sectional study

• Grant number: 23/10923-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Driusso
• Grantee: Carolina Angélico
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The pelvic floor musculature (PFM) is responsible for pelvic organ support, urinary and anal continence, and sexual functions. Changes in the PFM can lead to dysfunctions in this musculature, such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organs prolapse, and sexual dysfunctions; it is estimated that one in four women has a chance of developing pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) during their lifetime. Vulvovaginal symptoms include burning, discomfort, dryness, and irritation, among others. PFDs and vulvovaginal symptoms can result in a deterioration of quality of life and can affect the body image. Objective: To compare body image between women with or without PFDs and vulvovaginal symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study in which Brazilian women (e 18 years old) will be invited to participate. Previously validated questionnaires in Portuguese (Brazil) will be used to assess the presence or absence of PFDs and vulvovaginal symptoms and how these dysfunctions can affect the quality of life. Will be used the following instruments: Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - short form 7 (PFIQ-7), and Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ-Br). Additionally, to analyze issues related to body image will be applied the validated Brazilian version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2). Descriptive and association analyses will be conducted using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Furthermore, for comparison and correlation between quantitative variables, the T-Student test and the Pearson correlation test will be used, respectively. A significance level of 5% will be adopted.