Abstract Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as involuntary urine leakage. It is a rarely reported common condition that adversely affects quality of life because many consider it a normal part of aging. UI continues to be stigmatizing. This study’s aim was to conduct a systematic review of existing literature on the prevalence and impact of UI in Canadians (≥16 years) and perform a meta-analysis on the prevalence of UI in Canada. A systematic electronic literature search of PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHAL, Cochrane, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases from January 1980 to April 2024 was completed. Papers published on the prevalence and impact of UI were selected. We conducted meta-analysis using random-effects models and pooled prevalence of UI based on study setting, sex, and age. Quantitative studies were examined for internal validity, generalizability, reliability, and objectivity, and qualitative studies for credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability. Out of 1089 titles, 34 were included: 16 prevalence, 10 impact, and eight addressing both the prevalence and impact. UI was more prevalent in women than men (meta-analysis: 34%; 95% CI: 25%–44% vs. 19%; 95% CI: 7%–31%; p 0.001). Women were reluctant to seek medical help and suffered symptoms longer than men. Overall, the prevalence increased with age, reaching as high as 52% among women 85+ years. UI affected individuals socially, emotionally, physically, and financially. Included papers did not consider differences in prevalence or impact across ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic groups. Increased awareness of management and treatment will improve quality of life.
Kolahdooz et al. (Sat,) studied this question.