Urinary incontinence: hospital-based prevalence and risk factors

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence in women aged 30 to 70 years, who were attending to a gynecologic hospital. METHODS: During 2006, married women (aged 30-70 years) attending to a teaching gynecological hospital were assessed during their visits for any gynecologic diseases. We used a questionnaire with interview for collecting data. The potential risk factors were measured; i.e., the demographics, menopausal status, urinary symptoms (frequency, nocturia and urgency), urinary incontinence, (urgency, stress and mixed), body mass index, medical history (type of delivery, parity, gravidity, chronic illnesses, medication use, pelvic surgery and seeking medical care for their problem). RESULTS: The mean age was 46.5 (± 8.4) years. The mean parity was 5.1 ± 1.5. 27% of the participants reported urinary incontinence. Out of III women with urinary incontinence, 77 (18.7%, CI: 14.7-22.7%), 17 (4.1%, CI: 2.2-5.8%) and 17 (4.1%, CI: 2.2-5.8%) were classified as having stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence, respectively. The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was 18.9% (34 subjects) in women aged 30-44 years, 30.9% (46 subjects) in those aged 45-54 years and 37.8% (31 subjects) in those aged 55 years and older. Out of 117 menopause women, 39 (33.3%) were incontinent. On average, women reported 4.4 (± 1.06) diurnal and 0.55 (± 0.66) nocturnal voidings in 24 hours. Diurnal and nocturnal frequencies were different between continent and incontinent women. The high parity, excessive birth weight, pelvic trauma, constipation, chronic illnesses (specially diabetes) and gynecologic and other pelvic surgeries were known as risk factors for urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between urinary incontinence and high parity, excessive birth weight, pelvic trauma, constipation, chronic illnesses (specially diabetes), and gynecologic and other pelvic surgeries.