Protocol for Investigating the Effect of Kegel Exercises on Pelvic Floor Muscle Disorders and Quality of Life among Pregnant and Postnatal Women in Ho, Ghana

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Introduction: Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) are common presenting gynecological complaints that adversely affect quality of life, including sexual health among women. Study Objective: To examine the effect of Kegel exercises on the disorders of pelvic floor muscles among Ghanaian pregnant women in the third trimester and in women after delivery in Ho. Methods: The study will be conducted in the Volta Regional Hospital of Ghana. Pregnant women in the third trimester will be invited to participate in this study through a simple random sampling technique. Through a screening of pregnant women with pelvic floor disorders, structured questionnaires will be used to collect data from 435 pregnant women of the Volta Regional Hospital and those who qualify will be followed up till 6 weeks postnatal. Participants will be grouped into control and intervention groups. 104 participants from the screening will be recruited for the interventional study; 52 for the intervention and 52 controls. Analysis: Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 21. The results will be enumerated into means and proportions at 95% CI and presented in tables, charts or graphs. Independent t-test will be used to analyse the effect of treatment. P< 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Expected Outcome: Evidence from this study will inform practice and care of pregnant women. It will also help implementation of interventions regarding pelvic floor muscle disorders.