The impact of urinary incontinence in working women: a study in a production facility.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to identify the impact of self-reported UI on working women, to describe urine loss symptoms, strategies used to control urine loss, and help-seeking behavior among full-time women working in a rural production facility.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey design was used and questionnaires were distributed to 500 women (response rate, 54%). Items elicited information on demographics, health, parity, symptoms and duration of urine loss, strategies to manage urine loss, effects of UI on work activities, level of knowledge about UI and treatment options, perceived importance of getting professional help, and actual help seeking behavior.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine percent (n = 78) reported UI at least monthly. Incontinent women were older (44.8 years vs. 38.1 years) than continent women (t = -5.22, p < .001) and incontinent women had a significantly higher average body mass index (BMI) than continent women (t = -4.3, p < .001). More women reported urine loss with coughing, lifting, bending, and when hands were in water, and were more likely to use pads at work to control urine loss. Few women had reported UI to a health care provider (36%) and most wanted more information about UI (85%).


CONCLUSIONS
UI is a prevalent problem for working women. Workplace programs designed to assist women with prevention, treatment, and management of UI are crucial.
Fitzgerald
Sheila T
ST
The Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. sfitzger@jhusph.edu
Palmer
Mary H
MH
Kirkland
Victoria L
VL
Robinson
Leslie
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009511:New England / Q000453:epidemiology; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D016730:Program Development; D012424:Rural Population; D012650:Self Disclosure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*