Urinary incontinence, an unintentional leakage of urine, is a prevalent condition affecting up to 30% of the population. It significantly impacts women's quality of life, particularly in India, where prevalence rates range from 21.87% to 33.8% in various studies. This study investigated the multifactorial aspects of UI among women in a tertiary care centre and explored its epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and impact on quality of life. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in India from October 2023 to October 2024, including 120 women who presented to the outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology with symptoms suggestive of UI. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form were used to assess the presence, severity, and impact of UI symptoms. The findings indicate significant correlations between various urinary symptoms. Frequent urination showed strong correlations with difficulty urinating (r = 0.692, p < 0.001) and pain or discomfort (r = 0.732, p < 0.001). Urine leakage related to urgency was strongly linked to leakage during physical activities (r = 0.830, p < 0.001). One-sample t-tests revealed significant scores across symptoms, with frequent urination at night (mean = 2.8, p < 0.001) and sudden urgency (mean = 1.76, p < 0.001) causing notable discomfort. The significant burden of UI underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation and management strategies. Educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and targeted preventive approaches are crucial for addressing the substantial treatment gap and improving the quality of life of affected women.
Rathi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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