Incontinencia urinaria y calidad de vida de las mujeres en una zona básica de salud

Abstract

Urinary Incontinence (UI) is defined as the condition by which involuntary loss of urine through the urethra is objectively demonstrable, causing social and hygienic problems for the individual. It is twice as frequent in women as in men, affecting 50% of them at some point in their lives. In spite of the high global prevalence and affectation to the quality of life, the small number of medical consultations that are generated by this reason are surprising.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in women> 45 years of Siero's Basic Health Zone (ZBS) and associated factors.

METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional observational study aimed at women aged 45 years from the basic health area of ​​Pola de Siero, using an ICIF-SF telephone questionnaire

RESULTS: The prevalence of UI was 78% (227). In 99% of the cases it was a mild UI and more than half (56%) was effort. 90% of women with UI perceived their quality of life affected below 5 on a scale of 0 to 10 and only 10% consulted the problem in Primary Care (PA). Both increased age, births and menopause increase the risk of UI.

CONCLUSIONS: UI is very common, and it is seen as "something normal", slightly affects quality of life and is rarely and late consulted with doctor.