Effect of Urinary Incontinence on Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life among Middle-aged Indian Women: A Cross-sectional Study

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Background and Aim: Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary leakage of urine, is a prevalent condition among middle-aged women that adversely affects both psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL). Despite its high burden, UI remains underdiagnosed and stigmatized, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of UI and its association with psychological distress and life quality among Indian women aged 44–54 years. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Delhi NCR involving 155 community-dwelling women. The urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6) was used to identify cases of urinary leakage. Women who screened positive ( n = 60) were further assessed using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7) to evaluate QoL and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales to assess psychological health. Demographic and anthropometric data were also collected. Results: The prevalence of UI in the studied cohort was 26%, with a mean participant age of 48.35 ± 3.69 years. Parity (number of childbirths) demonstrated a strong negative impact on QoL, while body mass index and mode of delivery had weaker associations. High rates of anxiety, stress, and depression were observed among incontinent women, indicating substantial psychological impairment. Conclusion: UI is a significant public health issue among middle-aged Indian women, contributing to reduced QoL and increased psychological morbidity. These findings emphasize the need for awareness, screening, and integrated care approaches combining medical and psychosocial support.