Prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse among women in Armenia: a nationwide cross-sectional survey using the Armenian Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire.

Purpose

OF REVIEW Pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), substantially affect women's quality of life, yet epidemiological data from many countries remain limited. This review presents the first nationwide population-based data on pelvic floor disorder symptoms among women in Armenia and identifies factors associated with symptom burden. RECENT

Findings

A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the validated Armenian version of the Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire. A total of 1503 women were included (mean age: 50.5 ± 11.6 years). Stress urinary incontinence was reported by 69.9%, urgency urinary incontinence by 51.0%, POP symptoms by 16.4%, and urinary urgency by 45.8%. Increasing age, higher BMI, vaginal delivery, previous hysterectomy, and prior pelvic floor surgery were independently associated with greater symptom burden. Vaginal delivery was the strongest independent predictor of POP symptoms, while hysterectomy and previous pelvic floor surgery were also independently associated with prolapse symptoms. Hysterectomy was associated with lower odds of urgency urinary incontinence. SUMMARY Pelvic floor disorders are highly prevalent among women in Armenia. These findings provide the first nationwide population-based epidemiological data from Armenia and highlight the need for increased awareness, prevention, and improved access to specialized pelvic floor care.