Female Urinary Incontinence Research Articles

How should prospective research be designed to legitimately assess the value of urodynamic studies in female urinary incontinence?

Since formal evidence demonstrating the value of urodynamic studies (UDS) in functional urology remains elusive, we aimed to consider how best to design robust research for this purpose in female urinary incontinence. An expert group was convened to debate the following considerations: (a) precedents for formally proving the value of a gold standard diagnostic test, (b) key research principles, (c) defining a study population, (d) selecting endpoints, (e) defining interventional and controls arms, (f) blinding, (g) powering the study, and (h) duration of follow-up. In each case, we considered the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in terms of scientific validity, ethical acceptability, practicality, and likelihood of bias. We agreed that unlike evaluating therapies, attempting to judge the value of a diagnostic test based on eventual treatment success is conceptually flawed. Nonetheless, we explored the design of a hypothetical randomized controlled trial for this purpose, agreeing that: (1) the study population must sufficiently reflect its real-world counterpart; (2) clinical endpoints should include not only continence status but also other lower urinary tract symptoms and risks of management; (3) participants in the interventional arm should receive individualized management based on their UDS findings; (4) the most scientifically valid approach to the control arm-empiric treatment-is ethically problematic; (5) sufficient statistical power is imperative; and (6) ≥ 2 years' follow-up is needed to assess the long-term impact of management. Although a perfect protocol does not exist, we recommend careful consideration of our observations when reflecting on past studies or planning new prospective research.

The Effects of Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation in the Treatment of Women with Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this study is to identify and critically evaluate literature regarding the clinical efficacy of extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) in the treatment of female patients with urinary incontinence (UI). An analysis was carried out using the following electronic databases: Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library (data published between 2008 and 2023). Searches of the above databases were conducted in April 2023. Only randomized clinical studies (RCTs) in English studies were eligible for the study. Randomized controlled trials were included in the review and evaluated with the Downs and Black checklist. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these, two studies examined the use of ExMI and PMFT (pelvic floor muscle training) and three studies compared active ExMI versus sham ExMI. Four studies evaluated solely ExMI, and moreover, there was no control group in two of these studies. One study compared the effects of Kegel exercises with ExMI, while another study compared electrostimulation with ExMI. The reviewed studies exhibited significant differences in interventions, populations, and outcome measures. Extracorporeal magnetic stimulation has shown promise as an effective treatment for female urinary incontinence. Whether used alone or as a component of combination therapy, ExMI has the potential to enhance patients' quality of life (QoL) without significant safety concerns.

Ultrasound in Female Urinary Incontinence.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health condition that may interfere with the quality of life. A comprehensive evaluation of female UI helps with effective and safe treatments. Ultrasound has gained popularity to explore UI recently because it can collect crucial information for treatment planning and counseling. Translabial and introital approaches are commonly and reliably applied to ultrasound. The images can be obtained using two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasounds. Ultrasound is the only modality capable of confirming the presence or absence of a mid-urethral sling (MUS) and is able to demonstrate bulking agents as well. Although some of the ultrasound findings may only be incidental or supplementary to the patient's symptoms, ultrasound benefits for investigating the pathophysiology of UI and surgical outcomes of MUS procedures. It is anticipated that standardization in terminology, measurement techniques, and reporting can be established in the near future.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact on Life of Female Urinary Incontinence: An Epidemiological Survey of 9584 Women in a Region of Southeastern China.

To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality of life (QOL) of female urinary incontinence (UI) in a region of southeastern China. This cross-sectional study, conducted between June 2022 and March 2023, included 9584 women aged 20-70 years who completed a standardized questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. This sample size represents almost 10% of the population in the target area. The prevalence of female UI was found to be 24.8%, with stress UI being the most common subtype (12.7%), followed by mixed UI (8.0%) and urgency UI (4.1%). Notably, the prevalence of UI increased progressively with age and body mass index (BMI). The study also revealed several risk factors for UI, including urban residence, postmenopausal status, multiple vaginal deliveries, instrumental vaginal deliveries, previous delivery of macrosomia, and prior history of pelvic floor surgery as determined by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the study showed that 89.5% of women who reported UI experienced varying degrees of negative impact on their QOL. The incontinence quality of life (I-QOL) scale had an average score of 79.70±19.03, which decreased with increasing severity of UI. Despite the adverse effects on QOL, only 20.6% of women with UI had sought medical help. UI is common among women in the survey area. UI has been observed to have varying degrees of adverse effects on the QOL of those affected, but most of them do not seek treatment for several reasons, highlighting the urgent need for health authorities to develop effective UI intervention strategies.

Pregnant Women With Low Back Pain Have the Risk of Incontinent Urine in Leuwiliang District, Bogor West Java

Objective: This study aims to determine the risk of low back pain complaints on the incidence of urinary incontinence in pregnant women in Leuwiliang District, Bogor. Methods: This study is case contro . with a total sample of 72 pregnant women (case = 36, control = 36) data collection using the Oswestry Disability Index for Low Back pain questionnaire and Questionnare For Female Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis. Results: The results showed that the incidence or complaints of low back pain was 2.08 times more at risk of urinary incontinence, with a p-value = 0.144. 0.144 is not significant (OR = 2.0805% CI = 0.779-5.552 P = 0.144). 0,144 ). Conclusion: This study shows that there is a risk of complaints of Low back Pain on the incidence of Urinary Incontinence which has a risk of 2.08 times but is not significant statically (P=0,144).

Female urinary incontinence on TikTok and YouTube: is online video content sufficient?

The objective of the study is to evaluate the reliability and quality of the most-viewed female urinary incontinence-related TikTok and YouTube posts. Our second goal is to analyze the differences in the quality and content of videos between these platforms. We searched for the keyword "female urinary incontinence" on TikTok and YouTube on 1 March 2023. We sorted the videos that appeared out of searches for this keyword by "top" results on TikTok and by "relevance" on YouTube. We excluded the videos that were not in English, whose narrator was unclear, unrelated videos, advertising videos, and duplicate videos. In this study, we included the top 50 videos on both platforms that were directly related to female urinary incontinence. The characteristics of the videos, such as likes, video duration, views, and type of narrator (patient, physician, nonphysician practitioner, and health care company), and DISCERN scores were analyzed. We observed that the median view count (p<0.001) and the median video duration (p<0.001) were higher and longer respectively on YouTube than on TikTok. In addition, the median DISCERN score of these videos was higher on YouTube than on TikTok (p<0.001). Similarly, the overall quality of videos was higher on YouTube than on TikTok (p=0.002). Only in two TikTok and two YouTube videos have the narrators cited a reference. Our findings emphasize the present lack of high-quality content available on TikTok and YouTube from both health care and nonhealth care experts. To address this lack of information, health care providers, especially urologists, should take an active role in creating video content.

Urinary Incontinence among Female Health Workers in a Tertiary Health Facility in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Female urinary incontinence (UI) impacts female workers’ quality of life and working life. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of UI among female health workers in Enugu, Nigeria, and its impact on their quality of life. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of female health workers at the University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The first section contained socio-demographic information, whereas the second section consisted of items derived from the UK English Version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire on Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI Short Form). Results: Two hundred and fifty-six (256) women filled out the questionnaires. The mean age of the respondents was 36.6 ± 3.2 years (ranging from 19 to 56 years). Of the 256 respondents, 115 women had UI giving a prevalence of 44.9%. Older female health workers (&gt;39 years old) compared to younger female health workers were significantly more likely to have UI (odd ratio 6.387, 95% confidence intervals 3.684–11.045, P &lt; 0.001). Types of female UI seen were urge UI (39.1%), stress UI (29.6%), and mixed UI (31.3%). Most women (50.4%) leaked about once a week and had small amounts of leakages (62.8%). The impact on quality of life was mild (39.0%) and moderate (32.2%) for most of the female health workers, with 19% reporting severe impact. Conclusion: The prevalence of female UI is high among female health workers in Enugu, Nigeria and it impacts greatly on their quality of life.

Perspective of Dutch healthcare professionals on care for female urinary incontinence: a mixed-methods study.

Urinary incontinence (UI) impacts patients and society in many ways. There are good treatment options, but healthcare delivery and processes are often suboptimal. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) can reveal practical recommendations to improve processes and address challenges in the care of women with UI in the Netherlands. We conducted an exploratory, sequential, mixed-methods study among HCPs, using outcomes of five focus group sessions (30 HCPs) to inform a subsequent survey. HCPs included GPs, practice assistants (PAs), pelvic physiotherapists (PPTs), and urologists and gynecologists (UGs). Main themes arising from the five focus group sessions (with six GPs, seven PAs, six (resident) UGs, eight PPTs, and seven PPTs) were 'identification of UI', 'current state of care', and 'guiding patients through the healthcare system'. Survey responders (n = 741) included 351 PAs, 124 GPs, 75 PPTs, and 183 UGs. Overall, 72.8% (strongly) agreed that the identification of UI required improvement and 60% confirmed the need for further education. Most HCPs (83.1%) found it useful to offer a patient information leaflet when buying incontinence products but less useful to ask about UI routinely, and most (75%) agreed that a multidisciplinary guideline could improve health care. Interestingly, 86% of PPTs and 21% of UGs advocated referral to a PPT before referral to a specialist, while 87% of PPTs wanted primary care services to offer a UI consultation hour and 36% of the GPs (strongly) disagreed. Poor UI identification in primary care and a lack of patient guidance through the healthcare system hamper continence care provision.

Care provider views on app-based treatment for female urinary incontinence: a mixed-methods study.

App-based treatment for female urinary incontinence (UI) is a cost-effective alternative to care as usual. For successful implementation it is of major importance to involve stakeholders like care providers. To explore the views and preferences of care providers on app use for the treatment of UI and to identify the anticipated barriers to, and facilitators of, implementation. We performed an exploratory, two-phase, sequential mixed-methods study. In phase 1, the views of care providers were explored through five focus group sessions with care providers involved in UI: GPs, practice assistants (PAs), pelvic physical therapists (PPTs), and (uro)gynecologists (UGs). In phase 2, the identified themes and subthemes were quantified in an online survey distributed among different care providers matching these groups. In the focus group sessions, 30 female and two male care providers participated. Survey participants included 351 PAs and 76 PPTs (all female) next to 124 GPs and 183 UGs (70% female). Caregivers generally considered UI treatment apps as having a supportive role, being less convinced about their advantages in the absence of a care provider. Additionally, they required that the effectiveness of an app should be proven first, and that privacy and safety should be ensured. Contrasting with other research, lack of time and financial compensation were not considered important barriers to implementation. Our results add to the existing knowledge about eHealth-related barriers and facilitators. These findings can be used to optimise implementation strategies for other apps and to enhance the uptake of app-based treatment for UI in the Netherlands.

Association between oxidative balance score and urinary incontinence in females: results from the national health and nutrition examination survey in 2005-2018.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of urinary incontinence (UI). This study aimed to assess the association between the oxidative balance score (OBS) and UI in adult females in the United States. The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database, spanning from 2005 to 2018. Weighted multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, and restricted cubic spline regression were conducted to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) regarding the association between OBS and UI. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. A total of 7304 participants were enrolled in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with lower OBS were found to have a higher likelihood of experiencing stress, urge, and mixed incontinence (OR, 0.986; 95% CI 0.975-0.998; p = 0.022; OR, 0.978; 95% CI 0.963-0.993; p = 0.004; and OR, 0.975; 95% CI 0.961-0.990; p = 0.001). Lifestyle factors were strongly associated with the prevalence and frequency of UI. The results remained consistent, and no significant interaction effects were observed in the subgroup analyses. The prevalence of three types of UI exhibited a nonlinear inverted U-shaped trend with increasing in OBS and dietary OBS (p for nonlinear < 0.05). Among females, the higher the OBS, the lower the prevalence of UI. Therefore, dietary and lifestyle-related antioxidant therapy for females with UI should receive attention and be subject to further investigation.

Outpatient PureWick™ female external catheter system performance: Healthy volunteer study

Objectives:The PureWick™ female external catheter provides a non-invasive method to manage female urinary incontinence, measure urinary output, and reduce skin breakdown from urinary incontinence. This study seeks to expand the limited clinical evidence of the PureWick™ System in a non-acute setting by evaluating the efficacy of self-placement compared with healthcare provider placement, comfort, and ease of use in the outpatient community setting. If the performance of the PureWick™ System is comparable to healthcare provider placement when used in a non-acute setting and placed by the participant, further research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of medical use of the PureWick™ System used in the home when absent from supervised medical care. Study Design:Prospective, single-center, non-randomized quasi-experimental healthy volunteer study. Methods:71 healthy, female volunteers were divided into cohorts based on body mass index (BMI) and performed two supervised, independent, supine voids. The first void was into a PureWick™ System placed by a healthcare provider followed by a void with independent participant placement after viewing of an instructional video. Outcome parameters included percent of void captured, comfort, and ease of use using a 5-point Likert scale. Adverse events were also collected. Descriptive analyses were conducted for all study variables. Results:Median capture rate was over 95% for healthcare provider-placed devices and over 98% for self-placed devices, regardless of BMI. Overall, 84.5% of participants rated the device as either “comfortable” or “very comfortable”. Device placement was rated “very easy” by 95.7% of healthcare providers and “very easy” or “somewhat easy” by 95.7% of participants. Device removal was rated “very easy” by 100% of healthcare providers and over 90% of participants in all cohorts. Conclusions:Healthy volunteers found the PureWick™ comfortable and easy to use for self-placement. The comparable performance of the PureWick™ System, when used in a non-acute setting and placed by the participant, may help to expand the limited clinical evidence of the PureWick™ System in a non-acute setting.

Urethral fistula repair, including urethral elongation and an anti-incontinence procedure - a case report

Vesicovaginal fistula remains a significant cause of female urinary incontinence and impaired quality of life worldwide. Urethral-vaginal fistulas are less common, and difficult to manage, posing difficulties in terms of diagnostic evaluation, the surgical approach to closure, and how the associated complication of stress urinary incontinence is addressed. In this case report the management of a 34-year-old woman who presented with a urethral fistula following initial surgery for a urethral abscess is presented, including fistula closure; lengthening of the urethra; and addressing the loss of sphincter function. This case highlights the fact that a successful outcome in these patients depends on proper surgical technique, and the experience and skill of the management team.

HPV-infection status and urinary incontinence: a population-based analysis of the NHANES 2005-2016.

Urinary incontinence is a common condition and reduces the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between HPV infection and urinary incontinence among adult women in the USA. We examined a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Women who had valid HPV DNA vaginal swab test results and answered the questionnaire about urinary incontinence were selected from six consecutive survey cycles (2005-2006 to 2015-2016). The association between HPV status and urinary incontinence was analyzed using weighted logistic regression. Models adjusted for potential variables were established. In total, 8348 females aged between 20 and 59years old were enrolled in this study. 47.8% of participants had a history of urinary incontinence and 43.9% of women were HPV DNA positive. After adjusting for all confounders, women with HPV infection were less likely to have urinary incontinence (OR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.78-0.98). Low-risk HPV infection correlated with a lower incidence of incontinence (OR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.77-1.00). For women aged below 40years, low-risk HPV infection negatively correlated with stress incontinence (20-29ys: OR = 0.67, 95%CI 0.49-0.94; 30-39ys: OR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.54-0.93). However, low-risk HPV infection positively correlated with stress incontinence (OR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.01-1.95) for women 50-59years old. This study revealed a negative association between HPV infection and urinary incontinence in females. Low-risk HPV correlated with stress urinary incontinence, with the reverse trend for participants of different ages.

69 — Telerehabilitation in the treatment of female urinary incontinence

69 — Telerehabilitation in the treatment of female urinary incontinence

2 F - The use of mobile applications for pelvic floor training in the home treatment of female urinary incontinence

2 F - The use of mobile applications for pelvic floor training in the home treatment of female urinary incontinence

The efficacy and feasibility of fractional CO2 laser therapy for the treatment of urinary incontinence: a multicentric case-control study.

Female urinary incontinence is a significant public health problem. Conservative treatments require high patient compliance, while surgery often leads to more complications and recovery time. Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of microablative fractional CO<inf>2</inf> laser (CO<inf>2</inf>-laser) therapy in women with urinary incontinence (UI). This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with predominant SUI subjected to four sessions of CO<inf>2</inf>-laser therapy performed once a month, between February 2017 and October 2017, with a 12-month follow-up. The subjective Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 0-10 was used to score and variables were evaluated at baseline and at one, six and 12 months after initiation of therapy. Finally, results were compared to a control group. The cohort consisted of 42 women. The proportion of patients with vaginal atrophy among those younger than 55 years was substantially lower (3/23; 13%) than among those older than 55 years (15/19; 78.9%). CO<inf>2</inf> laser treatment was associated with a significant improvement in VAS scores recorded one-month, six-months, and one-year, after conclusion of therapy (P<0.001). VAS scores improved significantly in patients with either SUI (26/42; 61.9%) or mixed UI (16/42; 38.1%). No major post treatment complications were registered. Women with vaginal atrophy demonstrated significantly better results (P<0.001). Results confirm the efficacy and a good safety profile, for CO<inf>2</inf> laser treatment in SUI, mostly in women with postmenopausal vaginal atrophy and should be considered as a treatment option for female patients with concomitant SUI and vaginal atrophy.

A Minimally Invasive, Outpatient, Office Procedure for Severe Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: Luksenburg Systems LSG3

The worldwide prevalence of female urinary incontinence (UI) is reported at 55%, and about 27% of UIs are severe. The complications in cases of severe UI treated surgically and the ineffective or incomplete results of prolonged treatments with thermal energies motivated us to develop an innovative treatment. Our hypothesis was based on correcting the descent and/or urethral hypermotility and repositioning the descended bladder urethral junction. We have designed a system for the development of a dense and resistant fibrosis that supports the urethra and can correct the alterations of severe UI, Luksenburg systems procedure, LSG3. A group of 652 women between the age of 46 and 74 years, post-menopausal, with more than 2 vaginal births and severe UI, documented by the clinical presentation and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score index, were enrolled. Originally developed polycaprolactone threads were placed in suburethral space using specific designed tools (LSG3). Immediate results—24 hours (P &lt; .05): 469 patients without clinical UI (72% efficacy), 122 patients with grade 1 UI (drops) (18% improvement), and 59 patients with grade 3 UI (unchanged 9%). Thirty-day results (P &lt; .05): 560 patients without UI (86% efficacy), 58 patients with grade 1 UI (drops) (9% improvement), and 34 patients with grade 3 UI (unchanged 5%). Fifteen-month results (P &lt; .05): 542 patients without UI (83%), 74 patients with grade 1 UI (drops) (11%), and 36 patients with grade 3 UI (6%). No complications or secondary effects were found after the procedure in the 15 months of follow-up. We have developed an innovative system called “suburethral spider web” to treat and cure severe (grade 3) UI in office, as outpatient, that is effective, safe, and cheap.

Establishment of a urogynecology cadaver-based hands-on workshop.

It is important to train gynecologists and urologists on the principles of urogynecological surgery. To report our recent experience in developing a curriculum, application, and the learning outcome of a urogynecology workshop using cadaver training. A full day structured urogynecology cadaver-based educational hands-on course was developed. The theoretical component consisted of lectures on female urinary incontinence and genital prolapse. Hands-on training was on three cadaver stations: First to instruct and guide through the surgical steps of transobturator vaginal tape; second to perform sacrospinous fixation; and third to insert of vaginal mesh. Knowledge gained was evaluated using multiple choice questions. The course was evaluated using a structured seven-point Likert type questionnaire. There was an a statistically significant improvement in the post-test MCQ marks compared with the pre-test marks (P <0.01) and in the pass percentage (7% compared with 100%, P< 0.001). The overall rating of the workshop was 6.7 out of 7. Our course was highly valued by the participants who came from all over the Middle East. The course was enjoyable and achieved its objectives while the participants gained new knowledge and surgical skills.

MP49-04 PILOT PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY PROGRAM FOR THE TREATMENT OF FEMALE URINARY INCONTINENCE IN BELIZE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP49-04 PILOT PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY PROGRAM FOR THE TREATMENT OF FEMALE URINARY INCONTINENCE IN BELIZE David Rapp, Jacqueline Zillioux, Fionna Sun, Michelle Little, and Jeanice Mitchell David RappDavid Rapp More articles by this author , Jacqueline ZilliouxJacqueline Zillioux More articles by this author , Fionna SunFionna Sun More articles by this author , Michelle LittleMichelle Little More articles by this author , and Jeanice MitchellJeanice Mitchell More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003297.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Concurrently, the availability of surgical or conservative UI treatments in LMIC is limited. METHODS: We conducted a prospective feasibility study of women in Belize with UI treated with pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) and education (PFE). This study is part of a larger initiative to establish a PFPT program in Belize in conjunction with the charity Global Surgical Expedition. Patients were recruited during a 7-day visiting trip. Enrolled patients received individual PFPT/PFE over the course 2 days (1 hour per day), consisting of biofeedback-enhanced PFMT including pelvic floor activation training (dynamic and functional activities) in addition to behavioral, dietary, and general pelvic education. Patients then completed a daily 6-month home regimen including 7 PFMT exercises (total 70 repetitions) comprising both endurance and quick flick exercises across supine, seated, and standing positions. Patients also performed comprehensive dietary and behavioral modification activities. Comprehensive outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6-months, including validated symptom (ICIQ-FLUTS) and QOL (IIQ-7) questionnaires, strength testing (PEFECT score, perineometry), and items assessing PFPT comprehension. RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled and underwent baseline PFMT. One patient was lost to follow-up, leaving nine patients for interim analysis. The mean patient age, BMI, and parity were 51.4 (±6.6) years, 30.9 (±6.3), and 2.7 (±1.5). The mean duration of UI was 104.7 (±92.2) months. Provider assessment demonstrated patient comprehension of basic, endurance, and quick flick pelvic floor contractions in 9 (100%), 8 (89%), and 7 (78%) patients, respectively. At 6-month follow-up, significant improvements were seen across validated questionnaire and strength measurement assessments (Table 1). Patient reported improvement level was 8.1 (±1.6) on a 10-point Likert scale. CONCLUSIONS: Our interim analysis demonstrates that women in Belize demonstrate good understanding of PFMT/PFE. In addition, women in our study demonstrated significant improvements across subjective incontinence and QOL outcomes, as well as strength testing. Study recruitment is ongoing as part of a scaled effort to develop pelvic floor services in Belize. Source of Funding: University of Virginia Center for Global Inquiry and Innovation; Global Surgical Expedition © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e679 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information David Rapp More articles by this author Jacqueline Zillioux More articles by this author Fionna Sun More articles by this author Michelle Little More articles by this author Jeanice Mitchell More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

A population-based cross-sectional survey on the prevalence, severity, risk factors, and self-perception of female urinary incontinence in rural Fujian, China.

To determine the prevalence, severity, risk factors and self-perception of female urinary incontinence (UI) in rural Fujian, China. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 2022. Women aged 20 to 70 years from rural communities in Fujian Province were selected by multistage random sampling. Data from respondents were collected by completing standardised questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. The main outcome was prevalence and self-perception of UI. A total of 5659 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall prevalence of female UI was 23.6% (95% CI 22.5-24.7). The most common type was stress UI with a prevalence of 14.0% (95% CI 13.1-14.9), followed by mixed UI with a prevalence of 6.1% (95% CI 5.5-6.7), and finally urgency UI with a prevalence of 3.5% (95% CI 3.0-3.9). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that older age, obesity, postmenopausal status, multiple vaginal deliveries, macrosomia, instrumental vaginal delivery and previous pelvic floor surgeries were independently associated with UI (P < 0.05). The overall awareness rate of UI was 24.7%, and older age, lower level of education, and income were significantly associated with a decrease in awareness (P < 0.05). Only 33.3% of respondents believed they should seek medical help for UI. UI affects more than one-fifth of women in rural Fujian, and several factors are thought to be associated with its development. Rural women have a poor self-perception of UI, which is exacerbated by older age, lower levels of education, and lower income.