Prevalence of fecal incontinence among women in a rural community in Southern India

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI) in the community is usually grossly underreported. There are very few studies done in the Asian population to assess FI. Objective: Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with FI in adult females aged 30–60 years in a rural community in south India. Materials and Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 200 people in three villages (Allivaram, Thoppanthangal, and Veppampet) in Kaniyambadi block, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. Participants were recruited into the study after informed consent. Information about demographic details, comorbidities, and risk factors for FI was collected using a structured pilot-tested questionnaire. Revised FI Scale (RFIS) was used for evaluation and grading of FI. Results: Our study reports the community prevalence of 1.5% (3/200) with 95% confidence interval (0.05, 2.95) for FI using the RFIS scale. The women who were identified to have FI were referred to the secondary hospital for further evaluation and management. All the women who reported FI had a history suggestive of local anal conditions/surgery. Only “passing blood in stool” was statistically significant with FI in logistic regression. Multiple vaginal deliveries or associated obstetrical injuries did not show any association with FI. Conclusions: Large-scale multicenter studies are required to assess the prevalence and social burden caused by this disabling condition.