Urinary incontinence in Chilean women: A prevalence study of the health profile and associated factors

Purpose This research seeks to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in adult women in La Serena, Chile, exploring its association with known risk factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study with an analytical component. A validated questionnaire was applied to 371 women who consented, were aged 30 or older, and were users of primary health care centers. Results The prevalence obtained was 45.01%, associated with four main factors: hard work (odds ratio: 2.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.45 to 3.62), constipation (odds ratio: 1.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.21 to 2.76), type 2 diabetes (odds ratio: 1.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.16 to 3.06) and obesity (odds ratio: 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 1.14). Conclusions Given the high prevalence of urinary incontinence, its association with prevalent health problems, and its known impact on women's quality of life, the authors suggest that strategies be implemented to deal with this health problem at the primary care level.