Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence and Affecting Factors Among the Women Attending Gynaecology Clinics of Kayseri Education and Research Hospital

Aim: The aim of this investigation was to determine frequency of urinary incontinence among the women attending outpatient clinics of gynaecology of Kayseri Education and Research Hospital and to investigate the impacts of some socio demographic and medical factors. Material and Methods: The study was performed on the patients who attended outpatient clinics of gynaecology in 2007. A questionnaire including 45 questions was applied. A total of 775 questionnaires were evaluated. Chi square test and logistic regression method were used for statistical analyses. Results: Frequency of urinary incontinence was found 36.6 percent. Of the study group, 33.5 percent had stress urinary incontinence and 26.8 percent had urge urinary incontinence. It was found out that frequency of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence increased by age. The age 40 and over, to be housewife, smoking, and genital prolapsus were found as significant risk factors for both stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. Conclusion: It was concluded that approximately one third of the study group have urinary incontinence. Various socio demographic and medical factors may affect frequency of urinary incontinence. Preventive measures should be performed in order to prevent urinary incontinence and the incontinent women should be encouraged to consult physician.