Association between urinary incontinence, gynecologic, obstetric, voiding characteristics and quality of life in women

Abstract

Model study: Observational, cross sectional, analytical. Study objectives: To characterize and correlate the sociodemographic profile, lifestyles; gynecological, obstetric, and voiding characteristics and quality of life in women aged 19-59 years with or without urinary incontinence in Uberaba/MG. Methodology: A questionnaire previously developed by the researchers, the SF-36 and followed by the completion of the anthropometric measurements were used. Results: 194 women were assessed, with prevalence of urinary incontinence in 17.53%. Obesity, smoking, higher number of pregnancies, abortions and use of medications for mental disorders were significant risk factors for the occurrence of urinary incontinence. Quality of life was significantly affected by urinary incontinence, with the exception of the areas of pain and vitality. Conclusion: This article emphasizes the importance of routinely addressing this complaint and continues getting to know the associated risk factors, which can contribute to assist health professionals in identifying and implementing preventive strategies as early as possible in order to reduce their prevalence in women.