Psychological distress and pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women: Associations with anxiety, perceived stress, and sexual health

Table 1 Comparison of general characteristics of postpartum women between the two groups, n (%)/mean ± SD/median (interquartile range)

Variable	PFD group (n = 98)	Non-PFD group (n = 42)	Statistical value	P value
Age (years)	31.2 ± 4.1	29.6 ± 4.3	t = 2.18	0.031a
BMI (kg/m2)	23.9 ± 3.1	23.1 ± 3.0	t = 1.44	0.153
Postpartum months	4.0 (3.0-7.0)	3.0 (2.0-6.0)	Z = 1.86	0.063
Primiparous women	63 (64.3)	31 (73.8)	χ² = 1.25	0.264
Vaginal delivery	71 (72.4)	25 (59.5)	χ² = 2.40	0.121
Lateral episiotomy/laceration ≥ degree II	38 (38.8)	9 (21.4)	χ² = 4.10	0.043a
Breastfeeding	64 (65.3)	32 (76.2)	χ² = 1.67	0.196
PSQI > 7 (i.e., poor sleep quality)	46 (46.9)	10 (23.8)	χ² = 6.76	0.009b
Total SSRS score (points)	40.6 ± 6.7	44.1 ± 6.2	t = -2.92	0.004b
Secret history	22 (22.4)	5 (11.9)	χ² = 2.17	0.141

^aP < 0.05 vs the non-pelvic floor dysfunction group.

^bP < 0.01 vs the non-pelvic floor dysfunction group.

BMI: Body mass index; PFD: Pelvic floor dysfunction; PSQI: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; SSRS: Social Support Rating Scale.