PREVALENCIA DE INCONTINENCIA FECAL EN PERSONAS QUE ACUDEN A POLICLÍNICOSDE UN HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARIO

Abstract

Frequency of fecal incontinence in ambulatory patients background: Fecal incontinence (FI) affects quality of life and is a cause embarrassment, hampe- ring the collection of data about the problem. It is more common in older people and it is important to know risk the factors and scope of the problem. aim: Determine the prevalence and risk factors associated to FI in a population of patients consulting in a health center. material and methods: A self-applied questionnaire was answered by a randomly selected sample of 1136 ambulatory patients aged 50 ± 15 years (59% females), excluding those who consulted in colorectal surgery and gynecology. Demographic variables, obstetric history, history of anorectal surgery, anorectal symptoms, involuntary urine loss, and the FI Wexner or Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence scores were recorded. results: Thirty one per - cent of respondents had some degree of FI. In multivariate analysis presence of anorectal pain, urinary incontinence and number of vaginal deliveries were significantly associated with FI. conclusions: Pre - valence of FI in this study is similar, though slightly higher, to data reported in national and international publications.