Prevalence of gynecological problems of patients with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Purpose: To find out the number of gynecological problems patients with spinal cord injury Objectives: To gather socio-demographic information among spinal cord injury patients, to identify the common gynecological problems, to clarify the factors associated with these problems, to find out the treatment received for these problems, to identify the SCI related problems due to these problems, to find out the problems that affect the physiotherapy treatment. Methodology: Cross sectional type of study design was used to perform the study. In this study 24 samples were taken by convenience sampling from SCI unit at CRP. The data was collected by using a semistructural questionnaire by face to face interview. Data were analyzed through SPSS 16 version. Results: This study showed that the prevalence of gynecological problems among spinal cord injury patient was 67% (n=16). Most common problem was the menstrual problem. About 75% (n=12) participant’s menstruation was stop after injury and 58% (n=7) had stop menstruation for 1-3 months range. During or before menstruation approximately 44% (n=7) had headache and sweating. SCI related problems were increased during or before menstruation. Approximately 31% (n=5) had bladder spasm and muscle spasticity in this period. Hygiene management is the major problem during menstruation. Only near about 19% (n=3) maintain hygiene during this period. Burning sensation and pain during urination was another problem and the study showed that 87% (n=14) and 81% (n=13) felt that problems respectively. Pelvic pain was prevalent among the participants and 44% (n=7) participants had pelvic pain. All of the participants complain about the increasing amount of vaginal discharge and also stress problem after SCI. Only about 19% (n=3) participants received gynecological treatment and 56% (n=9) reported that these problems affect physiotherapy treatment. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggested that gynecological problem was prevalent among spinal cord injured patients. Therefore pathological examination must be done to find out any pathology. Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Gynecological problems.