Publication:

An observational study of effect on quality of life in perimenopausal females suffering from urinary incontinence

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) affects many older adults. Some of its deleterious consequences include stress, major depression, diminished quality of life, sexual dysfunction, and familial discord. Despite a wealth of research contributions on this topic, the available literature is under representative of ethnic minority older women.

Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted by taking a group of 225 females of perimenopausal age group. Patients were assessed clinically for the diagnosis of urinary incontinence and effect on quality of life was assessed. Further testing was done depending on the storage symptoms & voiding symptoms and included residual volume assessment by ultrasound, cystometry, complex urodynamic test and cystoscopy. The data obtained and the socio-demographic data recorded in a structured proforma. The data obtained was assessed, analysed and results were drawn thereafter.

Results In our study the prevalence of UI was found to be 18%. Maximum prevalence was seen in the age group of 61-70 years. Highest numbers were found to have stress incontinence 60.44%, followed by 23.55% of urge, overflow 5.33% and 10.66% mixed symptoms. The impact was equitable over all dimensions measured for QOL, namely activity limitation (28.44%), social interaction limitation (35.11%), sexual activity limitation (16%), financial burden increased (3.55%), emotional upset and distress (16.88%).

Conclusions In the present study, we determined the prevalence of UI among 200 community-dwelling, ethnically diverse older women, discovered that our new UI screener is reliable, and did not find the UI-depression link to be significant.