Supervisor :
Dr.Mahmoud Mustafa
Abstract :
Objectives:To determine the percentage and risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI) in general and stress UI in particular in women of north West Bank.
Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 300 women aged over 25 years were interviewed and a data collection form was filled.
Results:The overall prevalence of UI was 58.7% (n = 185). Among these women, 115 (38.3%) had stress, 28 (9.3%) urge and 33 (11%) mixed type UI. The prevalence rate increased with advancing age. UI was significantly associated with obesity, smoking, hypertension and hysterectomy. On the other hand, stress UI was significantly associated with episiotomy, DM, smoking, hypertension and obesity. Overall, 123 (70%) women stated that UI have negative impact on the quality of life, but only 20 (10.7%) sought medical attention.
Conclusions:UI affect approximately half of North West Bank women. The results emphasize that UI is a major health problem that many women are ashamed to talk with their physicians about it, so preventive measures should be taken and women should be educated about this problem.
