Prevalence of faecal incontinence: obstetric and constipation‐related risk factors; a population‐based study

Abstract

A higher prevalence of faecal incontinence than previously reported was observed, particularly in males. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was consistent with other studies. Faecal and urinary incontinence are important community health problems in both sexes.

Quality of Life Differences in Female and Male Patients with Fecal Incontinence

“…This could be because men seem to be more reluctant to consult about this condition, as mentioned earlier. 4,8 Our study clearly shows that clinical severity alone is just one aspect of fecal incontinence. Even if severity is moderate or mild, fecal incontinence is very likely to affect QoL, with women appearing to be particularly negatively affected.…”

“…Although prevalence in women is thought to be higher than in men, 4 usually as a consequence of childbirth-related injuries, [12][13][14] some studies have failed to find clear epidemiological differences between the sexes, whereas other studies have actually reported higher prevalence rates for men than for women. 8 In a systematic review, Chiarelli et al 15 found very similar prevalence rates for both sexes. Moreover, it has been suggested that prevalence data may be distorted by men being more unwilling to report fecal incontinence than women.…”

“…6,7 It is thought that prevalence may be underestimated because patients are often reluctant to report their symptoms. 8 Australian, 8 New Zealand, 9 Spanish, 10 and Korean 11 studies have reported prevalence rates of 15%, 12.4%, 10.8%, and 6.4% respectively, for random samples drawn from the general population. Although prevalence in women is thought to be higher than in men, 4 usually as a consequence of childbirth-related injuries, [12][13][14] some studies have failed to find clear epidemiological differences between the sexes, whereas other studies have actually reported higher prevalence rates for men than for women.…”

“…Moreover, it has been suggested that prevalence data may be distorted by men being more unwilling to report fecal incontinence than women. 4,8 Fecal continence is a complex physiological function that involves anatomical and functional integrity of the anal sphincter, anal and rectal sensitivity and intrinsic and extrinsic motor innervation 16 ; fecal consistency also plays a role, given that loose and liquid stools are less easily retained. Fecal incontinence is regarded as a multifactorial condition as it is not usually associated with just one pathogenic abnormality.…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Incontinence and its Impact on the Quality of Life and Treatment Seeking Behavior among Malaysian Women: A Review

“…Each 5-unit increase in BMI increases the risk of UI by 60% [50,51]. Co-morbidities, type 2 diabetes [52,53], cough in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), frequent urinary tract infections [35], history of arthritis and chronic constipation [53][54][55][56][57] are known to increase the risk of developing UI. Women suffering from type 2 diabetes for at least a year or more are prone to develop UI [52,58].…”