Urinary Incontinence Among Women at in an Egyptian Primary Health Center

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem, particularly in females and elderly population. Urinary incontinence has a negative effect on the quality of life (QoL). Objectives: the purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of UI and to identify its possible association among women above 18 years and evaluate its impact on the quality of life (QoL.Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted on 325 women aged more than 18 years attending to the medical center. Demographic, medical and quality of life data were collected using Arabic previously validated questionnaires. Results: The study shows that 27.7% of the studied women suffered from urinary incontinence of them, urge, stress and overflow were the most common with prevalence of 72%, 45% and 32% respectively. Significant associations with UI were women’s older age, lower level education level, unfavorable obstetrical history, positive history of chronic diseases, excessive coffee drinking, family history of UI. 65% of incontinent women were negatively affected in emotional health, social relationships, travel and prayer. Conclusion: The most significant risk factors of urinary incontinence were vaginal deliveries, family history and chronic diseases (chronic constipation, chronic cough, DM, HTN). Urinary incontinence had a great negative effect on quality of women’s life.Key Words: Incontinence, women, Quality of Life