Self-Assessment of Fluid Intake Behavior in Women with Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

To determine if women with urinary incontinence are able to recognize patterns of fluid intake associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. We performed a cross-sectional study of 256 consecutive women with urinary incontinence at an initial visit to a urogynecology practice. Data from the Questionnaire-Based Voiding Diary, a validated instrument that measures volume of fluid intake, fluid intake behavior, and lower urinary tract symptoms, were abstracted. Carbonated, caffeinated, and total fluid intake volumes were analyzed. Behaviors of excess consumption of caffeinated, carbonated, and total fluid intake as well as restriction of fluid intake were measured. Fluid intake volumes were divided into quartiles and correlated to fluid intake behavior and lower urinary tract symptoms. Fluid intake behaviors of drinking excess carbonated and caffeinated beverages were significantly associated with the volume of carbonated (p<0.001) and caffeinated fluid intake (p<0.001). The behavior of drinking excess fluid was significantly associated with the total volume of fluid intake (p=0.019). A significant relationship between quartiles of total fluid intake and increasing number of daily voids (p<0.001) and quartiles of caffeinated fluid intake and increasing severity of urgency urinary incontinence (p=0.038) was noted. A direct statistical association between fluid intake behavior and lower urinary tract symptoms was not noted. Women with urinary incontinence recognize their pattern of fluid intake and fluid intake behavior. The type and volume of fluid intake are significantly associated with symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency urinary incontinence.