Urinary incontinence in women in relation to occupational status

ABSTRACT

Through this cross-sectional study the authors explore urinary incontinence in women in relation to occupational status and environment. Data from the fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2009) were used (n = 5,928) excluding those aged under 19 or over 65 years, male, with renal disease, and with missing data. Urinary incontinence was prevalent in working women. Compared to unemployed women, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for women working in services/sales was 1.62 (1.21–2.19); for paid workers was 1.81 (1.20–2.73); and for self-employed workers was 1.46 (1.05–2.03). Compared to unemployed women, the adjusted odds ratio for working women with a daytime work schedule was 2.14 (1.18–3.87), while for those with evening work schedules, it was 1.35 (1.05–1.74). Urinary incontinence was significantly associated with various occupational environments: an unclean and uncomfortable workplace, dangerous job and probability of accidents, feeling pressed for time, awkward position for long periods, and carrying heavy weights. These findings suggest that urinary incontinence was prevalent in working women and was associated with occupational status and working environment. Therefore, improving occupational status and environment for working women—such as modifying the working schedule, posture, and workplace atmosphere—are needed to prevent urinary incontinence.

KEYWORDS:

• Occupational environment
• occupational status
• urinary incontinence
• women

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which performed the KNHANES, and all participants in the present study for their generous cooperation.