Urinary Incontinence and Its Relationship with Obstetric, Age, and Ethnic Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

To relate types of Urinary Incontinence (UI) with obstetric, age, and ethnic factors of interest-a cross-sectional study Methods, in the northern provinces of Ecuador.

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a study population of 2039 women with urinary incontinence (UI), recruited between October and November 2022 across different areas of the provinces of Imbabura, Carchi, and Esmeraldas. Data were collected using a characterization questionnaire and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-IU-SF). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. To quantify the association between risk factors and urinary incontinence, p-values and Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

A significant association with higher risk was observed between stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and women with a history of cesarean section (13.1%; OR = 1.34; p = 0.021). Likewise, SUI was more frequent among nulliparous women (22.6%; OR = 66.2; p < 0.001), young adults (34.4%; OR = 4.45; p < 0.001), and those of Karanki ethnicity (7.5%; OR = 2.74; p < 0.001). In contrast, urge urinary incontinence (UUI) was associated with vaginal delivery (93.9%; OR = 1.41; p < 0.001), multiparity (75.5%; OR = 1.78; p < 0.001), older age (41%; OR = 2.50; p < 0.001), and Awá ethnicity (12.7%; OR = 1.41; p = 0.009). Finally, mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) showed strong associations with cesarean section (21.8%; OR = 2.09; p < 0.001), grand multiparity (41.3%; OR = 4.54; p < 0.001), advanced age (31.1%; OR = 188.1; p < 0.001), and white women (24%; OR = 2.30; p < 0.001).

Urinary incontinence in women is statistically associated with obstetric, age-related, and ethnic risk factors. These findings contribute scientific evidence specific to the Ecuadorian population, supporting the development of prevention and health promotion programs, as well as early interventions aimed at reducing the impact on women's quality of life, health, and the economic well-being of their families.