Gulsah Kok

Prevalence, risk factors and quality of life in Turkish women with urinary incontinence: a synthesis of the literature

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is not a life threatening condition but it adversely affects physical and mental health, sexual function and quality of life in women. Aim To review the related literature to identify prevalence, risk factors and quality of life among only Turkish women. Methods Computerized searches on PubMed, Turkish Medline, EBSCO Host; articles from indexed journals related to the topics in this review and published between 1996 and 30 April 2012 were evaluated. After completion of database searches, a final total of 20 studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria. Results This review revealed that the prevalence of UI among Turkish women was reported by 16 studies ranged from 16.4% to 49.7%. The most common risk factors were age, number of births, body mass index > 25 kg/m2, recurrent urinary infection, diabetes mellitus and vaginal delivery. The effect of UI on the quality of life was mild to moderate. Conclusions We found that the prevalence of UI of Turkish women showed a wide range. It is important for health professionals to be aware of the high prevalence of UI in women and to ask about its possible presence. Improving the quality of life in women with UI is an important issue and nurses should direct women to seek psychosocial support. The findings of this review could serve as a source of information for health systems that deal with UI, and it may help to inform health professionals and women with UI on early diagnosis, treatment and management.BACKGROUND Urinary incontinence (UI) is not a life threatening condition but it adversely affects physical and mental health, sexual function and quality of life in women. AIM To review the related literature to identify prevalence, risk factors and quality of life among only Turkish women. METHODS Computerized searches on PubMed, Turkish Medline, EBSCO Host; articles from indexed journals related to the topics in this review and published between 1996 and 30 April 2012 were evaluated. After completion of database searches, a final total of 20 studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria. RESULTS This review revealed that the prevalence of UI among Turkish women was reported by 16 studies ranged from 16.4% to 49.7%. The most common risk factors were age, number of births, body mass index > 25 kg/m(2), recurrent urinary infection, diabetes mellitus and vaginal delivery. The effect of UI on the quality of life was mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS We found that the prevalence of UI of Turkish women showed a wide range. It is important for health professionals to be aware of the high prevalence of UI in women and to ask about its possible presence. Improving the quality of life in women with UI is an important issue and nurses should direct women to seek psychosocial support. The findings of this review could serve as a source of information for health systems that deal with UI, and it may help to inform health professionals and women with UI on early diagnosis, treatment and management.

Quality of life in climacteric Turkish women with urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem and negatively affects the quality of life of women who are afflicted. The aim of the study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors of UI among climacteric Turkish women and to examine the effects of UI on their quality of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 258 women aged 40-64 years who visited the outpatient clinic in Ankara, Turkey, between 15 June 2012 and 15 January 2013. The data were collected using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. This paper reveals that the overall prevalence of UI was 45.3%. Stress UI, mixed UI, and urge UI were reported by 54.7%, 22.2%, and 10.3% of the subjects, respectively. The proportion of women suffering from UI who seek medical treatment was low despite mild or moderate negative effect impacts on their quality of life. Increasing womens awareness of UI and protective measures is essential, and standard UI assessment should be added to all patient examinations.

Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Women: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Its Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and to evaluate its effect on health-related quality of life. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample of the study comprised 287 pregnant women attending an outpatient clinic located in a research and training hospital in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using an investigator-developed questionnaire that included 2 validated instruments, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and Incontinence Quality of Life scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI in the study population was 21.3% (n = 61). Cumulative scores in pregnant women who “always” experienced UI and those who expressed a “large amount” of UI were lower than women with milder UI. Logistic regression analysis found associations between UI and age in years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.833; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.763-8.332), parity (OR = 2.539; 95% CI, 1.135-5.675), third trimester versus first trimester (OR = 3.206; 95% CI, 1.178-8.725), and prior use of hormonal contraceptives (OR = 0.209; 95% CI, 0.085-0.513). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence is prevalent among pregnant women. Age, parity, and gestational week were associated with an increased likelihood of UI during pregnancy. Prior use of contraceptive hormones was associated with a reduced risk of UI during pregnancy.