A Study on Distribution of different types of Urinary Incontinence among women in North Chennai

Abstract Back ground Urinary Incontinence is a bothersome condition in women that leads to Psychological and Physical stress. Indian women rarely seek medical attention due to the social stigma connected with it. Aim To assess the distribution of different types of urinary incontinence and the associated risk factors among women in north Chennai. Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 173 women recruited from the female outpatient department and employees of various departments with urinary incontinence but did not seek any medical advice for this condition. After giving detailed instructions to the subjects they were asked to fill up a Proforma and Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID).Results Among 173 subjects recruited in this study 69.3 of them were found to have Stress Incontinence followed by Mixed Incontinence (22.5) and Urge Incontinence (8).We found that age more than 40 years, increased BMI, Increasing Parity and Postmenopausal Status were associated with increased risk of Urinary Incontinence. Conclusion Simple questionnaire may be used to screen women for this condition and associated risk factors on a routine basis. This will enable us to formulate the necessary steps to be taken for prevention and management of this condition.