Effect of Age, Educational Status, Parity and BMI on Development of Urinary Incontinence - a Cross Sectional Study in Saudi Population

Risk Factors of Pelvic Floor Disorders Among Women in Rural Nepal: A Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Risk factors for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are not well understood in lower resource settings. The objective of this study is to determine the risk factors associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women of reproductive age in rural Nepal.

METHODS

This is a case-control study nested within a community-based cross-sectional survey of parous women of reproductive age with PFDs in the Sarlahi District of Nepal. The presence of PFDs was confirmed by clinical assessment. Detailed sociodemographic information and histories were captured.

RESULTS

We examined 406 women; the mean (SD, range) age was 32.7 (8.5, 16-49) years, mean BMI (SD) was 19.7 (3.3) kg/m2, and median (range) number of pregnancies was 4 (1-11). Two hundred and three women (50.0%) had either SUI or UUI, 85 (17.8%) had both SUI and UUI, and 71 (17.5%) had POP at or beyond the hymen. After controlling for other variables significant on bivariate analysis, age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.06 [95% CI 1.03-1.09]), illiteracy (aOR 2.24 [95% CI 1.04-4.80]), and presence of upper gastrointestinal issues (aOR 3.30, [95% CI 1.77-6.16]) were independently associated with SUI/UUI. Age (aOR 1.05 [95% CI 1.02-1.09]), bispinous diameter (aOR 2.88 ([95% CI 1.11-7.47]), and subpubic angle (aOR 2.78 [95% CI 1.55-5.03]) were independently associated with POP.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for PFDs in a homogenous community of parous women of reproductive age in rural Nepal are similar to those found in parous women in higher income countries.

Associations Between Serum Estrogen Levels and Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Cross-sectional Analysis of NHANES 2013 to 2016

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between serum estrogen levels and urinary incontinence in a nationally representative female population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included women who had serum estradiol measurements and self-reported urinary incontinence problems in the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles. A weighted multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the association between urinary incontinence and serum estrogen levels after adjusting for age, race, Body Mass Index, diabetes, venipuncture, hypertension, poverty-to-income ratio, smoking, marital status, alcohol use, education, and menopause.

RESULT

A total of 4114 individuals were ultimately included in our study. Of these women, 1200 (29.17%) complained of urge urinary incontinence (UUI), 1674 (40.69%) complained of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 730 (17.74%) complained of mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Women in the lowest quartile of serum estrogen were more likely to complain of UUI compared to those in the highest quartile (OR=1.885; 95% CI=1.042-3.412, P = .039). No association was noted between serum estrogen levels and SUI or MUI.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a significant association between low serum estrogen level and the increased likelihood of UUI in women. Further research is required to validate our findings, elucidate the physiological mechanisms that underlie them, and assess potential therapeutic implications.

Impact of a Community-Based Pelvic Floor Kinesic Rehabilitation Program on the Quality of Life of Chilean Adult Women with Urinary Incontinence

The pelvic floor forms the primary bottom tissue of the pelvic cavity. It comprises muscles that play a fundamental role in bowel and bladder emptying. Alterations of pelvic floor muscles will result in dysfunctions such as urinary incontinence (UI). Given the high prevalence of UI and its impact on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions, it is necessary to implement public, community, and generalized programs focused on treating these dysfunctions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a community rehabilitation program on QoL, UI severity, and pelvic floor muscle strength in patients with UI.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A descriptive prospective cohort study. Twenty subjects between 44 and 75 years old with a diagnosis of UI, participants of a community kinesic rehabilitation program on the pelvic floor in Maipú, Santiago, Chile, were evaluated. These volunteers were intervened for six months, and QoL was measured with the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF) scales, UI severity with the Sandvick test, and pelvic floor muscle strength with the Oxford scale. Patients were followed up three months post-intervention.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in all scales after applying for the community kinesic rehabilitation program, and the changes were maintained at a 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the improvement in QoL, UI severity, and pelvic floor muscle strength after the intervention, it is relevant to consider the implementation of community programs aimed at education, screening, and early rehabilitation of these patients.

Characteristics, scope of activity, and negative emotions in elderly women with urinary incontinence: Based on a longitudinal follow-up in Shanghai, China

We conducted a study to assess the characteristics, scope of activity, and negative emotions in elderly women with urinary incontinence (UI) based on a longitudinal follow-up conducted in Shanghai, China from 2013 to 2019. A total of 3,531 elderly women were included in the final analysis, and 697 women who experienced UI during follow-up were included in the UI group. Subjects with UI were subdivided into those with partial UI (UI once a day or less) and UI (frequent UI). Two thousand eight hundred and thirty-four women who did not have UI during the same period served as the control group. The prevalence of UI was 19.74% in this study. Logistic regression analysis revealed that being older (> 80 years of age), having a high level of education (> 12 years; elderly people with a high level of education may pay more attention to their health and notice UI more readily), a low personal monthly income (≤ 3,000 RMB), more gravidity/parity, and having a chronic disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, or Parkinson's disease) were risk factors for UI (p < 0.05). About 60% of women in the partial UI group engaged in daily activities outdoors, while this number decreased sharply to 3.6% in the UI group. Women in the UI group were more likely to have negative emotions, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, or feeling worthless (p < 0.001). Among elderly women with dementia, those with UI had defects in terms of judgment in everyday life, the ability of convey information, and the ability to understand information (p < 0.05). More attention needs to be paid to the adverse effects of UI on activities of daily living (ADL) and mental health in the future.

An epidemiological profile of women suffering from urinary incontinence residing at one of the cities of western India: A mixed method approach study

Introduction

Urinary incontinence (UI), a discomforting condition is predominantly seen in women. Affected women are forced to modify their lifestyles to alleviate symptoms and associated complications.

Objectives

To find the prevalence, determinants and association of UI with Socio-demographic, obstetrical, gynecological and personal history and its impact on quality of life.

Methods

Research was conducted with a mixed method approach (quantitative and qualitative assessment) among women residing in urban slum of Ahmedabad city, India. Sample size calculated was 457. The study was conducted in urban slums served by one of the Urban Health Centre (UHC) of Ahmedabad city. A modified pre-evaluated standard questionnaire developed by International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) was used for quantitative part. Qualitative part consisted of Focused Group Discussions (FGD) which was carried out amongst the women in batches of 5-7 per discussion at the nearest anganwadi center.

Results

Prevalence of UI was found to be 30% among study-participants. A statistical significant relation was seen between the presence of UI and age, marital status, parity, past history of abortion, and occurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in last year (P < 0.05). Comparison of severity of UI by calculating ICIQ score showed statistical significant relation of same with age, occupation, literacy, socioeconomic status, and parity (P < 0.05). More than 50% of women suffering from UI were having chronic constipation, reduced daily sleep, and diabetes. Only 7% of the total women suffering from UI had consulted doctor for their problem.

Conclusion

Prevalence of UI was found to be 30% in study participants. Sociodemographic factors like age, marital status and socio-economic class were found to have statistical significant effect on existing UI at the time of interview. ICIQ categories of UI were found to be influenced statistically with age, occupation, literacy, socio-economic classe, parity and obstetric factors like place of delivery and facilitator of delivery. Majority of participants (93%) had never consulted doctor for various reasons/myths like perception that it shall resolve on its' own, Belief that it is an age-related normal phenomenon, shyness to discuss issue with male doctors/members of family and financial reasons.

Urinary Incontinence in Physically Active Older Women of Northeast Brazil

Low- and moderate-impact physical activity (PA) is associated with the prevention of urinary incontinence (UI). The objective of the cross-sectional study presented herein is to analyze the factors associated with UI in physically older active women who participate in senior community groups. The variable UI was measured by the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Socioeconomic variables were also collected, along with data on life habits and clinical history. The multivariate analysis employed Poisson's Regression with robust variance for factors associated with UI. Of the 106 participants evaluated, 54.7% presented UI, of which stress incontinence was more frequent, with 40.6%. UI presented a statistically significant association with dizziness/loss of balance during Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (prevalence ratio-PR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.07) and nocturia (PR 1.63; 95% CI 1.05-2.55). Despite PA being a protection factor, UI presented an elevated prevalence in the older population, and therefore, other biological, social, and cultural aspects could also contribute to the occurrence of UI in this age group. Moreover, physically active older women with UI presented nocturia and dizziness/loss of balance during ADL, regardless of education levels and the number of births. These findings can help improve multi-professional programs aimed at promoting, preventing, and managing UI in the public.

The association between personal history and the outcomes of transobturator sling surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to verify the association between risk factors for the onset of SUI and transobturator suburethral sling surgical treatment outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with 57 patients operated by the Pelvic Floor Surgery Service. Demographic data were compiled from the sample, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the patients were divided according to the response to the surgical treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 77.2% of the sample was cured or improved after surgical treatment. Out of the total sample, 75.4% of the women were postmenopausal, and 73.7% denied current or past smoking. The median age was 61 years, the median number of births was 4.0, the median BMI was 28.6 kg/m2, and 50.9% of the sample was classified as pre-obese. BMI, menopausal status, age, smoking, and sexual activity were not factors associated with the surgical outcome. However, parity equal to or greater than 5 was associated with worse postoperative results (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

among risk factors associated with the emergence of SUI, only parity greater than 4 showed a negative impact on transobturator sling surgery outcomes.

Safety and Efficacy of a Non-Invasive High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field (HIFEM) Device for Treatment of Urinary Incontinence and Enhancement of Quality of Life

Background and Objectives

Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing condition which interferes with everyday life. Patients frequently experience discomfort related to urine leakage and the subsequent need to use absorbent pads. Since the continence mechanism is primarily maintained by a proper function of pelvic floor muscles (PFM), many treatment methods focused on strengthening of the PFM have been introduced in the past. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a high‐intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) for treatment of urinary incontinence with emphasis on effects on prospective patients’ quality of life.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The study followed an institutional review board approved protocol. A total of 75 women (55.45 ± 12.80 years, 1.85 ± 1.28 deliveries) who showed symptoms of stress, urge, or mixed urinary incontinence were enrolled. They received six HIFEM treatments (2 per week) in duration of 28 minutes. Outcomes were evaluated after the sixth treatment and at the 3‐month follow‐up. The primary outcome was to assess changes in urinary incontinence by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and changes in the number of absorbent pads used per day. The secondary outcome was subjective evaluation of the therapy and self‐reported changes in quality of life. The statistical analysis was conducted by paired T‐test and Pearson correlation coefficient ( α = 0.05).

Results

After the sixth session, 61 out of 75 patients (81.33%) reported significant reduction of their symptoms. The average improvement of 49.93% in ICIQ‐SF score was observed after the sixth treatment, which further increased to 64.42% at the follow‐up (both P < 0.001). Individually, the highest level of improvement was reached in patients suffering from mixed urinary incontinence (69.90%). The reduction of absorbent pads averaged 43.80% after the sixth treatment and 53.68% at 3 months (both P < 0.001), while almost 70% of patients (30 out of 43) reported decreased number of used pads. At the follow‐up, a highly significant medium correlation (r = 0.53, P < 0.001) was found between the ICIQ‐SF score improvement and the reduction in pad usage. A substantial decrease in the frequency of urine leakage triggers was documented. Patients reported no pain, downtime or adverse events, and also reported additional beneficial effects of the therapy such as increased sexual desire and better urination control.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that HIFEM technology is able to safely and effectively treat a wide range of patients suffering from urinary incontinence. After six treatments, an improvement in ICIQ‐SF score and reduction in absorbent pads usage was observed. Based on subjective evaluation, these changes positively influenced quality of life. © 2019 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Urinary incontinence among Muslim women in Israel: risk factors and help-seeking behavior

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) varies among women in different cultures. Muslim women with UI have complex issues related to the need for cleaning (ablution) before prayer. The aim was to assess the prevalence of UI, factors associated with it, its effect on quality of life, and help-seeking behavior among Muslim women.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Self-administered questionnaires completed by women 18-75 years of age who visited the primary care clinic between 21 June 2015 and 9 October 2015 and additional data collected from their medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 492 women (mean age 31.8 ± 9.5 years) participated in the study. Of these, 43% suffered from UI and 19% from severe to very severe UI. The mean score for interference in daily life (0-10) was 6.3 ± 3.7. Sixty percent of women with UI had stress incontinence, 23% urge incontinence, and 9% mixed incontinence. Only 10% had consulted previously with their physician regarding UI. Increased BMI (OR = 1.048, 95% CI 1.009-1.089) and polygamy (OR = 1.943, 95% CI 1.007-3.749) were associated with severe to very severe UI. Age, parity, and more severe degrees of UI were associated with help-seeking behavior (OR = 1.065 95% CI 1.008-1.125, OR = 0.763 95% CI 0.624-0.934, OR = 4.073 95% CI 1.410-11.765 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary incontinence is very common among Muslim women in primary care in southern Israel and significantly impairs their quality of life. Only a small percentage consults with their physician.