Urinary incontinence and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) and low quality of life (QoL) are two common conditions. Some recent literature proposed that these two entities can be associated. However, no attempt was made to collate this literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data to estimate the strength of the association between UI and QoL. Methods An electronic search of major databases up to 18th April 2020 was carried out. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional and case–control studies comparing mean values in QoL between patients with UI and controls was performed, reporting random-effects standardized mean differences (SMDs) ± 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2. Results Out of 8279 articles initially screened, 23 were finally included for a total of 24,983 participants, mainly women. The mean age was ≥ 50 years in 12/23 studies. UI was significantly associated with poor QoL as assessed by the short-form 36 (SF-36) total score (n = 6 studies; UI: 473 vs. 2971 controls; SMD = − 0.89; 95% CI − 1.3 to − 0.42; I2 = 93.5) and by the sub-scales of SF-36 and 5/8 of the domains included in the SF-36. Similar results were found using other QoL tools. The risk of bias of the studies included was generally high. Conclusions UI is associated with a poor QoL, with a strong level of certainty. This work, however, mainly based on cross-sectional and case–control studies, highlights the necessity of future longitudinal studies for better understanding the importance of UI on QoL.

Prevalence and associated risk factors among patients with overactive bladder syndrome in Pakistan

“…Alcohol consumption, parity, marital status, lower educational level, drug use, hypertension, obesity and advanced age may be called to be the risk factors of OABS. 1,4,16 In this study, UTI, family history, income, parity, BMI, DM and age are connected with risk factors of OAB.…”

“…Many factors including alcohol consumption, parity, sex, body mass index (BMI), age, hypertension, race, constipation, smoking, diabetes, marital status, educational level and employment status may be related to OAB. 1,4,5 It is diagnosed clinically and proved with the help of the defining Correspondence: Prof. Dr. Sajid Rashid Principal/ HOD, Multan College of Physiotherapy, MMDC, Multan Pakistan. E-mail: sajidch71@hotmail.com characteristics of the condition, but it ignores the use of invasive examination.…”

“…The overactive bladder (OAB) is a common disorder which affects numerous human lives in the world. 1 In spite of the fact that OAB is curable, yet most of the patients of OAB are unaware of it and they do not try to get medical attentions. Lower urinary tract symptoms including micturition, urgency with or without incontinence, nocturia and polyuria cause overactive bladder.…”

Protocol of a Single-Blind Two-Arm (Waitlist Control) Parallel-Group Randomised Controlled Pilot Feasibility Study for mHealth App among Incontinent Pregnant Women

“…Living and experiencing UI affects the quality of life among nonpregnant and pregnant women [ 3 , 57 ]. Even though no studies have explored the economic burden of UI during pregnancy [ 58 ], UI among women has been stated as a high economic burden as it affects a person psychologically, socially, and financially [ 59 ].…”

Anal and urinary incontinence in nulliparous women – Prevalence and associated risk factors

“…2 Both are a physical and psychological distressing problem for women, which can negatively affect their quality of life. 3 , 4 Globally, the reported prevalence of UI is between 16.2 and 81.9% 5 and it increases with age. 6 Whilst the reported prevalence of AI ranges between 14.7 and 21.6% and the rates also significantly increase with age.…”