ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence; identify its risk factors and describe its effects on the life of women affected by it in an urban area in Burkina Faso. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was carried out between January and April 2003 and was based on interviews with 759 female patients presenting to the Department of Urology; Sanou Souro Teaching Hospital; and five other medical centers in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. By means of a questionnaire we collected information on socio-demographic patient characteristics; history of previous surgical or gynecological interventions; type of urine loss and the effects of urinary incontinence on the patients' physical; psychological and economical condition. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29;8 years. The majority (63.6) were housewives; 65.5of them married. The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was 21;3with a predominance (54;6) of stress urinary incontinence. Multivariate analysis of the risk factors (using the logistic regression model) showed that the following risk factors were significantly associated with urinary incontinence: dystocia; repeated urinary tract infections; chronic constipation; episiotomy and obesity. The physical and psycho-social effect of urinary incontinence on the patients is described. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is frequently encountered in our environment although only few cases are seen in our gynecology and urology departments. A population-based investigation on a national scale will allow for a better judgment of the actual extent of the problem and will help to establish a strategy on how to better control it
Subject(s)
Female , Urban Population , Urinary Incontinence/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective : The aim of this study was to assess female urinary incontinence in Morocco with respect to its prevalence; its severity; the degree of impairment of the daily activities due to the problem and the women's attitude towards their handicap. Material et Methods : In 1999 we performed a survey including 368 moroccan women living in an urban area (Casablanca). They were recruited from different socio-economic classes. Their age ranged from 18 to 75 years. The questionnaire was evaluated by an expert committee (urologists; gynaecologists; epidemiologists). Results : The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence among the interviewed women was 31with stress urinary incontinence in 13.5and urge incontinence in 17.5. 50of the women suffering from incontinence were older than 50 years. 53.5of them were menopaused; 26were nullipares while 52had more than 3 children. The urine loss is bothersome and influences all daily activities. 70of those who lose urine more than once daily are bothered especially during prayer time. Conclusion In Morocco; 31of the female population suffers from urinary incontinence. The risk factors are: advanced age; multiparity; menopause; obstetrical trauma. However other factors like ethnical; environmental and anatomic factors may play a role; too. An impairment of the daily activities is present in almost all patients; however; most of our women suffering from urinary incontinence live with the discomfort. Out of those women asking for medical help; the majority consults the general practitioners. From this fact it becomes evident that training these general practioners is necessary to help improving the detection and management of this disease