The prevalence of incontinence and its impact on quality of life


Sonmez T. G., Ugras E., Sahin E. G., FİDANCI İ., AKSOY H., Baser D. A.

MEDICINE, vol.103, no.52, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 103 Issue: 52
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/md.0000000000041108
  • Journal Name: MEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The study set out to find out how common urine incontinence was in the community and how it affected people's quality of life and other relevant characteristics. Patients who applied to Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics were asked to complete a questionnaire as part of the study. Participants who consented to participate in the study were given access to a questionnaire that included the Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Three Incontinence Questions (3IS) form. There were 18.5% of male participants and 81.5% of female participants in terms of gender distribution. It was found that urine incontinence affected 29.9% of the individuals. The median ICIQ-SF Score values varied statistically significantly depending on whether incontinence was present (P < .001). The ICIQ-SF Score median values according to incontinence types showed a statistically significant difference (P < .001). The total score of the incontinence quality of life scale showed a statistically significant variation based on the presence of incontinence (P < .001). For people without incontinence, the median overall score on the incontinence quality of life scale was 82, whereas for people with incontinence, it was 67. Urinary incontinence (UI) is a frequent health issue that can have a significant negative impact on a person's quality of life because of the psychosocial impacts, lifestyle limits, and social effects. As a result, it is critical to comprehend the impacts of urine incontinence, create support and treatment plans, and strive toward early patient detection to enhance quality of life.