Prevalence and risk factors associated with urinary incontinence in women

Prevalence and risk factors associated with urinary incontinence in women

Franklin J. Espitia-De la Hoz

Departamento de Uroginecología y Cirugía Reconstructiva del Piso Pélvico, Urogolyn Care; Departamento de Sexología Clínica, Hathor, Clínica Sexológica; Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Sport Medical Center IPS, Eje Cafetero. Armenia, Pereira, Colombia

*Correspondence: Franklin J. Espitia-De la Hoz. Email: espitiafranklin71@gmail.com

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in women and describe the associated risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 795 women attending outpatient gynecology clinics at three private clinics in the Eje Cafetero of Colombia, between 2022 and 2025. The ICIQ-UI SF (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form) was used to assess the presence and severity of UI. Results: The mean age was 41.79 ± 5.81 years. The mean ICIQ-UI SF score was 9.57 ± 5.82, consistent with moderate UI. The prevalence of UI was 47.67% (379/795), being stress UI 41.95% (159/379), urge UI 36.67% (139/379) and mixed UI 21.37% (81/379). Age over 50 years (ORa: 6.85; CI 95%: 4.90-9.58; p < 0.001) and multiparity (ORa: 5.14; CI 95%: 3.71-7.13; p < 0.001) are risk factors. Conclusions: Nearly half of the female population in the Coffee Region experiences UI, which is predominantly stress-induced. This highlights the need to work on preventive and rehabilitative interventions, as well as to promote public policies that address UI as a public health problem.

Keywords: Urinary incontinence. Prevalence. Women. Risk factors. Gynecology.

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