Urinary Incontinence Prevalence in Women in Morocco

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem, especially in older women. It has a major impact on the quality of life, physical and psychological well-being of patients.

Aims: We aimed to determine the prevalence of UI and identify its risk factors in the Fez-Meknes region, Morocco.

Study Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult female outpatient in primary healthcare facilities in fez during 2019. Data was collected using anonymous questionnaire. UI was defined according to international guidelines. Univariate analyses were used to assess associations of UI with demographic characteristics and risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding.

Results: About 189 women were included, the average age was 39.26 years (SD = 14.40 years). Prevalence of UI was 32.8%. It increased significantly with age (65% of women over 60 years of age were incontinent compared to 12% of women under 30 years of age(P=.001)), the high BMI (P =.002), and in women exposed to passive smoking (P =.005). The history of vaginal deliveries (P <.0001), instrumental deliveries (P =.001), and menopause (P <.0001) were also significantly associated with the occurrence of UI.

Factors remaining significantly associated with UI in multivariate analysis were the age (OR=1.09; (1.04-1.13)), the history of abdominal surgery (OR=4.7; (1.55-14.3)), the exposition to the passive smoking (OR=4.06; (1.08-15.29)), and the history of tool delivery (OR=3.8 (1.03-14.4)).

Conclusion: Our results show a significant frequency of urinary incontinence in women in our region, which suggests the implementation of its systematic screening in general practice consultation in women at risk.