The Epidemiologic Study of the Urinary Incontinence in Community-dwelling Women over 50 Years Old

Seo, Jeong Bin; Lee, Jeong Zoo

Abstract

PURPOSE: The goals of this study were to estimate the prevalence and correlates of urinary incontinence in community-dwelling women over 50 years of age.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in a typical farming village of Yu-Kok in the southern region of Korea. The community population had 719 women over 50 years old in Yu-Kok. The interviews using questionnaires regarding general characteristics, obstetric history, disease-related factors, and urinary symptoms including incontinence were undertaken. In addition, urinalysis, uroflowmetry, ultrasonography, and physical examination were performed.
RESULTS
Of 719 female residents over 50 years old, 429 women were participated in our study. The response rate was 59.7%. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 65.0%(279/429) for the responders. The prevalence of urinary incontinence for each decade was 69.5%, 65.6%, 60.2% and 66.7% over 50 and up to 89 years of age, respectively. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 65.6%(172/262) in low or normal weight female (body mass index<25), and 70.2%(9/84) in overweight or obese group (body mass index > or =25). The prevalence of stress incontinence was higher in overweight or obese(29.8%) than low or normal weight group(20.0%)(p<0.05). Though number of delivery didn`t affect the prevalence of urinary incontinence, a good correlation was found between stress urinary incontinence and number of delivery. Of 258 women who suffered from stress urinary incontinence, 195(75.6%) also had cystocele, and 190(73.6%) complained of rectocele.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of female urinary incontinence in this study was relatively higher compared to other studies. Most of incontinent women didn`t recognize the incontinence as a pathological state and consequently, didn`t visit doctor. Such behavior suggests that they need more information and more education toward urinary incontinence. Also, health care providers should pay more close attention for patient who are suffering from urinary incontinence.