Incontinence urinaire de la femme en milieu urbain au Burkina Faso : enquete epidemiologique aupres de 759 femmes a Bobo Dioulasso

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