PREVALENCE, SEVERITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN IN RURAL PAKISTAN

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) stands as a prevalent and multifaceted health concern affecting a substantial population of women globally. The basic aim of the study is to find the prevalence, severity and associated factors of urinary incontinence in women in rural Pakistan. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Catchment areas of Rural Health Centres Kangra and Kot Najibullah, District Haripur, Pakistan, from 1st November 2022 to 31st November 2023. Data was collected from 3064 women by using a random sampling technique. Detailed information was retrieved, encompassing demographics (such as age, gender distribution, and menopausal status), medical history (including comorbidities), lifestyle factors (like smoking status and body mass index), and specific UI-related data (including severity, frequency, and associated factors). Data were collected from 3064 female patients suffering from UI. Age, considered as a significant factor, shows a notable increase in UI occurrence with advancing age: 15.7% in the 18-39 age group, 21.3% among those aged 40-59, and a higher prevalence of 32.1% in women aged 60 and above. It is concluded that this study provides significant insights into the prevalence and sociodemographic associations of urinary incontinence (UI) among local women in Pakistan. The findings highlight the complex nature of UI, explaining its varying prevalence across different age groups, educational levels, marital ages, and parity statuses.