The prevalence of and potential risk factors for female urinary incontinence in Beijing, China

• Published in: Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 15; no. 3; p. 566
• Main Authors: Zhu, Lan, Lang, Jinghe, Wang, Hong, Han, Shaomei, Huang, Jianshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2008
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; China - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Middle Aged; Postmenopause; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Urinary Incontinence, Stress - epidemiology; Urinary Incontinence, Urge - epidemiology; China
• ISSN: 1072-3714; 1530-0374
• DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31816054ac

To survey and evaluate the prevalence and potential risk factors of female urinary incontinence (UI) in Beijing, China. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed from April to July 2005. We randomly sampled 1.0% of female residents aged 20 years and older from year 2000 national census data, totaling 5,300 women. All of the women were interviewed face to face using a modified questionnaire based on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Data were collected and analyzed. The overall prevalence of female UI was 38.5%. Prevalence rates of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), female urge urinary incontinence, and female mixed urinary incontinence were 22.9%, 2.8%, and 12.4%, respectively. The prevalence rate of female UI was more than 50% in postmenopausal women. In multiple logistic models, multiple vaginal deliveries (odds ratio [OR]=2.1; 95% CI: 1.443-3.179), age (OR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.039-2.742), postmenopausal status (OR=1.5; 95% CI: 1.182-1.983), chronic pelvic pain (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.134-1.814), obesity (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.205-1.721), lack of exercise (OR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.105-1.509), constipation (OR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.109-1.586), and hypertension (OR=1.2; 95% CI: 1.053-1.474) were identified as potential risk factors of female SUI. No association between female SUI and offspring birth weight, occupation, or chronic diseases was observed in this study. Only 12.8% of women with UI and 7.4% of women with SUI seek medical help. UI is a major disorder that affects female quality of life. The prevalence of female UI is high (38.5%) in Beijing. Among the different types of UI, SUI was the most prevalent (22.9%). Potential risk factors identified for female SUI were multiple vaginal deliveries, age, postmenopausal status, chronic pelvic pain, obesity, lack of exercise, constipation, and hypertension.