article · African Journal of Urology
A study at Muhimbili National Hospital investigated the prevalence, impacts on quality of life, and risk factors related to perinatal urinary incontinence among 354 pregnant women. The overall proportion of women experiencing perinatal urinary incontinence was 16.7 percent. Among those affected, stress urinary incontinence was the most common form, reported by 49.1 percent, followed by urge urinary incontinence at 15.8 percent. Assessing well-being revealed that quality of life was moderately affected in over half of the symptomatic participants, while others experienced slight to poor impacts. Statistical analysis identified significant links between perinatal urinary incontinence and pre-obesity, grand multiparity, and notably a previous history of Caesarean section, which showed the strongest association. The findings highlight the physical, emotional, and social burden of this condition on affected perinatal women.
Perinatal urinary incontinence causes substantial physical discomfort and emotional distress, impacting daily life, social interactions, and mental health. Identifying the frequency and specific clinical risk factors, such as previous Caesarean deliveries, helps healthcare providers recognise vulnerable patients early. This allows maternal health services to introduce better guidance, reassurance, and targeted clinical approaches during antenatal and perinatal care.
The abstract does not indicate a direct commercial application pathway, as it focuses on clinical and epidemiological observations within a hospital setting. The findings could potentially inform maternal care screening protocols or guide healthcare practitioners in identifying high-risk pregnant women, representing an early clinical insights stage rather than a product or commercial service.
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Abstract Background Perinatal urine incontinence (PUI) affects approximately 200 million women worldwide. It is hypothesized that it has a multifactorial etiology that includes hormonal changes, pregnancy, urethral angle changes, and childbirth-related forces. The prevalence of PUI ranges from 32 to 64%. These conditions affect quality of life, leading to significant physical and emotional distress, self-esteem, social interactions, postpartum depression and anxiety. Determining the factors associated with PUI and providing appropriate support and treatment options for women experiencing perinatal urinary incontinence can improve the well-being of those affected. The significance of this study is to help establish the foundation of Perinatal urinary incontinence awareness in our facility, and possibly knowing the burden and associated risk factors, care to be taken in the reassurance of the patient and, for a future urological approach and overall management. Objectives To assess the proportion, quality of life and factors associated with perinatal urinary incontinence among pregnant women admitted to the Muhimbili national hospital. Methodology This prospective cross-sectional study involved 354 pregnant women in perinatal period. The statistical analysis of the data was done in the SPSS version 20, whereby descriptive statistics and categorical data were described by frequency tables, graphs, and percentages, and numerical variables by mean, median, and standard deviation. Bivariate logistic regression was used to obtain variables that were associated with PUI. Multivariate logistic regression for controlling for confounders. P value of < 0.5 was considered to be statistically significant. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by ICIQ-UI SF tool. Results A total of 354 women were approached, all of whom participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 30 years (range 30–34 years). The overall proportion of PUI among the participants was 59 [16.7%]. Of the total participants with PUI, 28 (49.1%) had Stress urine incontinence (SUI), 9 (15.8%) had Urge urine incontinence (UUI), Mixed urine incontinence (MUI), and 1 (1.8%). Overall, among the participants who had PUI, quality of life (QoL) was moderately affected in 31 (52.5%) participants, followed by 17 (28.8%) whose QoL was slightly affected, 10 (16.9%) whose QoL was poor, and only 1 (1.7%) whose quality of life was very poor. In the multivariable logistic regression model, Factors associated with PUI were statically significant, with P < 0.05. A significant association between UI and a normal BMI, pre-obesity [AOR 1.351 95% CI 1.161–1.765], grand multipara [AOR 1.092 95% CI 1.027–1.323], and a previous history of cesarean section [AOR. 5.126 95% CI 2.081–12.628]. Conclusions Perinatal urinary incontinence has a considerable impact on health complications across various aspects, despite not being a life-threatening condition. The effects of urinary incontinence extend to daily activities, sexual health, personal relationships, social engagement, and mental well-being.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12301-024-00471-w
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