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


METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
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.
Gulsah Kok, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. Memnun Seven, PhD, RN, Nursing Faculty, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey. Gulten Guvenc, RN, School of Nursing, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. Aygul Akyuz, RN, Nursing Faculty, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Gulsah
G
Kok
Memnun
M
Seven
Gulten
G
Guvenc
Aygul
A
Akyuz
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology