Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGICAL NURSING, cilt.16, sa.1, ss.32-39, 2022 (ESCI)
We aimed to evaluate the features (occurrence, type, severity, risk factors and quality of life) associated with urinary incontinence in women. Urinary incontinence is a global issue. Many factors can lead to urinary incontinence, but some factors remain debatable. It is thought that the rate of urinary incontinence will decrease with the determination of risk factors. According to Abrams et al., urinary incontinence is three times more prevalent in women than in men. In a systematic review including 12 studies conducted by Seshan et al., it was concluded that the main risk factors for urinary incontinence are age, parity, body mass index, menopause, recurrent urinary tract infections, hysterectomy, miscarriage, fetal weight and comorbid conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease. Average life expectancy is increasing around the world. According to Milsom and Gyhagen with the increase in average life expectancy, it is predicted that the frequency of incontinence and the rate of women needing treatment will rise in the future and that health expenditures will increase consequently. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2020 using an online questionnaire. In total, 400 women were recruited. The online questionnaire contains questions to determine the socio-demographic of women and urinary incontinence for risk factors in women and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables. Statistically significant variables (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) were then analysed by logistic regression. Occurrence of urinary incontinence was 39% (156/400). The top three types of urinary incontinence were found to be stress (38.5%), urgency (27%) and mixed (23.7%) incontinence. Frequency of urinary incontinence was once a week or less frequent in 54.5% of the women with urinary incontinence and that the severity of the urinary incontinence was mild in 70.5%. Risk factors for urinary incontinence included age, educational status, body mass index, history of macrosomic baby (birth weight > or =4 kg), consuming acidic beverages and spicy foods, episiotomy, type of birth, menopause, recurrent urinary tract infection, having a member of family with a history of urinary incontinence, and lack of physical activity. It was determined that factors increasing the risk for urinary incontinence the most are age and body mass index. Urinary incontinence is an important public health problem affecting women in the reproductive age, too. Highlights Urinary incontinence is a global issue. Many factors can lead to urinary incontinence, but some factors remain debatable. Urinary incontinence is an important public health problem affecting women in the reproductive age, too. Average life expectancy is increasing around the world. Therefore, the number of women with incontinence problems is expected to increase.