Background: Female nurses are a high-risk group for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Predictors of female nurses' PFD among work-related factors are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PFD and its association with workplace conditions among female nurses in China.
Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2021. A sample of 380 registered nurses working in six tertiary hospitals in Nanjing, China participated. Data on individual characteristics, work-related factors, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 were used.
Findings: The overall prevalence of PFD among nurses was 83.9%, with 43.9% of participants experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, 66.6% experiencing anorectal dysfunction and 60.5% experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms. In terms of work-related factors, PFD was associated with heavy lifting, pushing, and carrying at work, delayed toileting at work and fluid intake. Female nurses with PFD reported lower quality of life (QoL) relative to nurses without PFD.
Conclusions/application to practice: Our findings provide initial insights into workplace conditions that promote PFD among female nurses. Occupational health nurses should consider providing educational information for female workers who are potentially at risk for PFD and consider integrating screening of PFD into practice.
Keywords: factors; female nurses; occupational health; pelvic floor dysfunction; quality of life.