Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence in Khon Kaen menopausal women.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence in menopausal women.

Study Design: Prospective Descriptive study.

Setting: Menopausal clinic and gynecological outpatient unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University.

Study Population: Menopausal women attending the menopausal clinic and gynecological outpatient unit.

Material And Method: Between April 23 and July 15, 2004, 229 menopausal women were interviewed by pre-validated questionnaire and in-depth interview to determine the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence.

Results: The average age of the study group was 55.8 years. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 38.86%, the most common type was mixed urinary incontinence (82.02%) followed by stress urinary incontinence (12.36%), and urge urinary incontinence (5.62%). The risk factors of urinary incontinence were vaginal delivery, menopause before 50 years old, and postmenopausal women who had never used hormone therapy.

Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary incontinence in menopausal women was 38.86%. Mixed urinary incontinence was the most common type. Associated risk factors were vaginal delivery, menopause before 50 years old, and postmenopausal women who had never used hormone therapy.