Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Statistical Analysis of Urinary Incontinence in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition that significantly affects quality of life, particularly in women. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence, types, and associated factors of UI among female patients at a specialized healthcare facility in India. Methods: The investigation was conducted from November 2022 to April 2023 in the obstetrics and gynecology department, where all female participants aged 18 years and above were queried regarding their UI history. The generalizability of this study may be limited due to the clinic’s focus on women seeking specialized gynecological or obstetric care. Results: The generalizability of this study may be limited due to the clinic’s focus on women seeking specialized gynecological or obstetric care. This research may overrepresent health-conscious women or those with severe UI symptoms, potentially biasing results and underrepresenting women with mild to moderate UI or those from disadvantaged populations. Furthermore, tertiary care settings may disproportionately attract patients with complex conditions requiring specialized treatment, influencing the study’s outcomes. Disparities in socioeconomic status, health literacy, and awareness regarding UI treatment across various demographic groups can also affect patient selection and consequently impact the study results. Conclusion: Our research conducted at an Indian tertiary care hospital revealed a significant prevalence of UI among female patients, underscoring the necessity for further investigations into preventive measures and treatment modalities. The psychological implications and social stigma associated with UI highlight the critical need for comprehensive support systems and intervention programs for affected individuals. The findings demonstrated that obstetric risk factors were directly correlated with the incidence of UI, as evidenced by the study outcomes. Healthcare practitioners should advocate for lifestyle modification to mitigate UI.

Keywords

• urinary incontinence
• stress incontinence
• diabetes
• and prevalence rates