Publication:

Prevalence, quality of life assessment of urinary incontinence using a validated tool (ICIQ-UI SF) and bothersomeness of symptoms among rural community: dwelling women in Southwest, Nigeria

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is a debilitating disease which impacts on quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. Estimates of the burden of the diseases varied widely due to different definitions of the disease by different researchers. With the use of a validated screening tool-International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire- Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) we sought to determine the prevalence of UI among women in a rural Nigerian community; examined their self-reported QoL and perceived bothersomeness of the symptoms.

Methods A cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study among rural community-dwelling women in South west, Nigeria with 229 participants selected by multi-stage sampling technique. The study was conducted using ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire with additional data on socio-demographics and bothersomeness of the symptoms. Correlates of QoL were determined with Spearman’s rho correlation and associated factors of bothersomeness determined by chi square and logistic regression.

Results Prevalence was 12.6% and stress UI was the commonest type. Poor QoL reported in 65.5% of those afflicted with UI. Worsening QoL had a positive correlates with Age (p<0.010), amount of urine loss (p<0.001), frequency of urine leakage (p<0.001) and ICIQ scores (p<0.001). Perceived bothersomeness of symptoms were associated with ICIQ score of ≥8 (p<0.001; OR: 1.810; 95% CI: 1.220- 2.684).

Conclusions Prevalence was 12.6% with poor QoL in substantial proportion of the respondents with UI worsened by advancing age, increase in quantity of urine loss, increase in frequency of urine leakage and ICIQ score. Perceived bothersomeness of symptoms was associated with ICIQ score of ≥8.