THE EFFECT OF KEGEL EXERCISES ON THE PREVENTION OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN POSTPARTUM MOTHERS IN CIANJUR

Abstrak

Background: Urinary incontinence is a common problem experienced by postpartum mothers due to weakened pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and childbirth. This condition can negatively affect physical comfort, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Kegel exercises are a non-pharmacological intervention that aims to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and prevent urinary incontinence.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Kegel exercises on the prevention of urinary incontinence in postpartum mothers in Cianjur.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The sample consisted of 30 postpartum mothers selected using purposive sampling. Participants were given education and training on Kegel exercises and instructed to perform the exercises regularly for six weeks. The level of urinary incontinence was measured before and after the intervention using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Data were analyzed using a paired t-test with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The results showed a significant decrease in urinary incontinence scores after the implementation of Kegel exercises (p < 0.05). This finding indicates that regular Kegel exercises effectively reduce the risk of urinary incontinence among postpartum mothers.

Conclusion: Kegel exercises have a significant effect on preventing urinary incontinence in postpartum mothers in Cianjur. Therefore, Kegel exercises are recommended as part of routine postpartum care to improve pelvic floor muscle function.