A Cross-sectional Study on Urinary Incontinence and Associated Factors among Elderly Females in a Rural area of Singur, West Bengal

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a chronic debilitating disease affecting a significant proportion of elderly women. However, due to its social and hygienic issues, it often remains underreported in rural areas of India. It has the potential to significantly impact an individual's quality of life, thus highlighting its public health importance. Objective: To find out proportion of rural women having UI and its associated risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Singur among 120 elderly women aged ≥60 years selected by cluster sampling technique. A pre-designed questionnaire was utilized for data collection which included QUID questionnaire for assessing UI. Data were analysed with SPSS version 16.0.Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was applied to find out any association between variables. Results: Around 42(35%) out of 120 women were found having UI among which the most prevalent type of UI was stress UI 22(18.3%), followed by mixed UI 13(10.8%) and urge UI 7(5.8%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed hypertension (AOR = 2.15, 95%CI=1.13–4.75), chronic cough (AOR= 4.50, 95%CI=1.24–16.30), constipation (AOR= 8.58, 95%CI=2.06–35.65), physical activity (AOR= 4.35, 95% CI=1.30–15.35), mental stress (AOR= 8.50, 95% CI=2.07–35.60)were factors significantly associated with presence of UI among the study participants. Only 25(59.5%) had sought healthcare for their issues. Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant proportion of rural older women are suffering from UI. Proper medical management of the risk factors associated with UI will help to decrease the burden of UI and improve health status of rural elderly women.