Quality of Life in Patients with Urinary Incontinence: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence in women severely affects the physical, social and psychological aspects of life. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. All non-pregnant women ≥21 years of age, attending the Gynecology OPD of a tertiary care hospital were included. After obtaining written informed consent, demographics, relevant medical and surgical history were noted. A validated ‘Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire’ (IQOL) and SF-36 were administered. Results: The overall incidence of incontinence in this population was 17.0%, with a steadily rising incidence by age. The incidence was more in postmenopausal than premenopausal women. Menopausal women, compared to non-menopausal women, also had significantly higher incontinence Quality of Life scores (median of 5 vs. 3; p=0.001). Scores were studied. Items determining avoidance and limiting behavior and psychosocial impact had high correlation coefficients. But among the items determining social embarrassment, two items had no significant relationship with social embarrassment. Total Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire had significant relationship with all the items except one item of psychosocial impact and one item of social embarrassment. Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire mean scores with different domains of SF-36 questionnaire showed inconsistent correlation. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence affects a large number of women and adversely affects the quality of life.