Risk factors for female urinary incontinence among middle-aged Korean women

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) in middle-aged (35-64 years) Korean women.

This was a cross-sectional, case-control study using a structured self-administered questionnaire. To identify the unadjusted associations of each potential risk factor with prevalence of UI, univariate logistic regression analyses were used. A multiple logistic regression model was then constructed with only those variables that were significantly associated with the UI (p < 0.05) in the univariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Of 608 community-dwelling women included in the analyses, 259 (42.6%) met the definition of UI (at least once a month or the amount of more than a few drops lost during the past 12 months). A multivariate regression model was constructed that included the eight variables of age, body mass index (BMI), number of vaginal deliveries, menstrual status, hysterectomy, present hormone use, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m(2)), being postmenopausal, having two or more vaginal deliveries, having a history of hysterectomy, and being a current user of hormones increased the odds of having UI.

Obesity as defined using Asian-Pacific criteria was a strong risk factor for middle-aged Korean women's UI. More than one vaginal birth caused increased odds of having stress or mixed UI. Hysterectomy, menopause, and hormone replacement were also significant risk factors.