Prevalence, risk factors, and adverse outcomes of diastasis of rectus abdominis in men: a cross-sectional study

This observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence of DRA, ascertain the possible risk factors and analyse the adverse outcomes of DRA among men. Moreover, the reasonable diagnostic criterion was further explored.

1575 men aged 18 years or older were recruited from a Grade III A Hospital. Data were obtained by electronic medical record, subsequent unified questionnaire and clinical examinations. Possible risk factors of DRA were confirmed in the univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Based on two diagnostic criteria, Chi square test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare the difference of adverse outcomes among men with and without DRA.

The prevalence of DRA in men was 29.78% when IRD > 2 cm was used as a diagnostic criterion, but decreased to 10.16% when IRD > 3 cm as a criterion. Age, BMI, smoking and physical exercise were proved as influencing factors for DRA. No association was found between DRA and abdominal wall muscle function, low back pain, and quality of life. But hernia was significant with DRA, when IRD>3 cm as diagnostic criterion.

Prevalence of DRA in male is high and taking measure on losing weight, giving up smoking and exercising properly may prevent DRA, along with reducing the possibility of DRA-related hernias. To be important, IRD>3 cm as the reasonable diagnostic criterion was proposed.