ABSTRACT
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