Anal incontinence in Tunisian women: Prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of anal incontinence (AI), and to assess its impact on quality of life in Tunisian women. In this cross-sectional study, 402 women (321 nurses and 81 doctors) from 2 university hospitals were interviewed through a self-administered questionnaire. AI assessment was based on the Wexner score (SW) while the SF-12 score was used to assess quality of life. The data were evaluated by Chi 2 test and multiple logistic regression analysis. The prevalence rate of AI (SW ≥ 5) was 10.9% ( n = 44) with incontinence of liquid stool (56.8%) being more prevalent than flatus incontinence 41% and incontinence of solid stool (2.2%). The physical health was impaired in 54.5% of incontinent women, while the mental health was impaired in 72.7%. AI was significantly associated with the profession of nursery (OR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.1–11.2), history of obstetric tears (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.2–6.1), urinary incontinence (OR = 6; 95% CI 2–18), impaired physical health (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.2–5.5) and impaired mental health (OR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.2–6.1). Data on the prevalence of anal incontinence in women in Tunisia are scarce. AI affects approximately one of ten Tunisian women. The results emphasize the need for taking preventive measures for AI.