Seeking Medical Care for Urinary Incontinence among Working Women Aged 20-50 Years

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition among women and yet still a taboo. Many studies reported low consultation rates for urinary incontinence despite evidence of effective treatment and better management of the condition in primary care. Few researches studies the seeking for medical care among working women with easy access to medical resources. The aim of the present study was to assess the seeking medical care for urinary incontinence among working women aged 20-50 years. Working women aged 20-50 years and attended Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Tanta University Hospitals for any reason during the year 2005 represented the target population. They were mostly not necessarily ill or asking for treatment. A previously piloted self-completion questionnaire was used to collect the required data and height and weight for the respondents were measured for the body mass index. A total of 149 incontinent women entered the study. Their socio-demographic, obstetric, and incontinence characteristics were revealed. Moderate and sever incontinence were acknowledged by 41.6% of the respondents and 53.7% were bothered by their symptom. Only about one of ten [9.4%] of all women and about two of ten [19.4%] of those reported moderate/severe incontinence had sought for medical care. The age had no effect in willing to seek for medical help [p=0.219]. Perception of the normality of the condition and considering it as not a problem were the main reasons [68.2%] for not seeking for medical care among women with minimal/slight degree of incontinence. Shame from talking to the physician [40%] and having other priorities [34%] were the main barriers for those had moderate/severe incontinence. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant [p=0.001]. Despite the existence of effective interventions for urinary incontinence, many working women at the reproductive age continue to suffer. The extent of the problem revealed to the physicians is like an iceberg. Achieving health gain for this cohort requires a more active approach to counteract the stigma attached to the problem, to inform them the cause and progress of the condition and to ensure that effectiveness of primary care of the problem.