Gender differences in factors associated with patients’ decisions to seek treatment for urinary incontinence in Alexandria, Egypt

The objective of this descriptive, hospital-based comparative cross-sectional survey was to determine gender differences in factors associated with patients’ decisions to seek treatment for urinary incontinence (UI). Using an interview questionnaire, data were collected from 353 patients attending clinics at hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt. There were differences between males and females regarding specific psychosocial factors motivating health care seeking behaviour. Women had fewer hospital admissions and hospital days and less use of diagnostic procedures and surgery. More women suffered from at least one negative impact on their social lives compared to men. The impact of symptoms on quality of life appeared to be the main trigger for seeking help for UI in both men and women.