Prevalence and the associated trigger factors of urinary incontinence among 5000 black women in sub-Saharan Africa: findings from a community survey.

Study Type: Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort).

Level Of Evidence: 1b.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and describe possible trigger factors of urinary incontinence (UI) among adult women in a Nigerian community.

Patients And Methods: The present study comprised a household community survey conducted among 5001 women aged≥18 years. Cluster multistage sampling was used to select eligible respondents. Information was obtained by an interviewer who administered a structured questionnaire on sociodemographics, obstetric and gynaecological characteristics, leakage of urine and trigger factors.

Results: The mean±SD age of the women was 33.2±14.7 years. The proportion of women currently experiencing leakage was 2.8% (95% CI, 2.6-3.0). The types of incontinence reported by women currently leaking included stress incontinence (2.3%), urge incontinence (1%) and mixed (0.6%). Severe incontinence was reported in 0.5% of women, 0.1% had moderate incontinence, whereas 2.2% had mild incontinence. Women with history of vaginal delivery only were approximately two-fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.11-3.02), and those who delivered by other modes over four-fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.96-9.27), than nulliparous women to report currently leaking urine.

Conclusions: The present study shows a prevalence of UI comparable to other settings, and the commonest type is stress is found to be UI. The mode of delivery is a significant correlate of UI amongst Nigerian women.