Urinary incontinence in women is not exclusively a medical problem: A population-based study on urinary incontinence and general living conditions

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to analyse differences in general health and general living conditions between women with and without urinary incontinence (UI). Material and methods. This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Örebro County, Sweden. A public health questionnaire, “Life and Health”, was sent to a randomly selected sample of the population. The questionnaire consisted of 87 questions on broad aspects of general and psychiatric health. An additional questionnaire was enclosed for those respondents who reported experiencing UI. The data were analysed using binary logistic regression. The final study population constituted 4609 women, 1332 of whom had completed both questionnaires. The remaining 3277 had completed only the Life and Health questionnaire. Effect measures were odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Statistically significant associations were found between UI and the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.20–1.76), fatigue and sleeping disorders (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.30–1.95), feelings of humiliation (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12–1.50), financial problems (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.66), and reluctance to seek medical care (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.21–1.68). Conclusion. UI among women is commonly associated with a number of different psychosocial problems as well as an expressed feeling of vulnerability.

• Female
• general health
• living conditions
• urinary incontinence