Treatment seeking behavior for urinary incontinence among north Indian women.

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common but neglected problem of women.

AIMS

To ascertain the treatment seeking behavior of north Indian women having urinary incontinence (UI).

SETTING

Two residential colonies of Chandigarh.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional face-to-face interview based study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted by a trained nurse during April 2005-July 2005 among women aged 18 years and above. Women with UI were identified in a screening survey. They were interviewed individually regarding their treatment seeking behavior and socio-demographic data.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test.

RESULTS

Of the 220 enlisted incontinent women 20% (44) women consulted some health agency. Only 8.6% (19) women had heard about pelvic floor muscle exercises. Seventy-two percent (158) cases had UI for more than one year. The most common reason quoted for not seeking treatment was, 'UI was considered as 'normal', 'did not take it seriously' and 'shyness.' Many (153;70%) women reported that UI affected their daily routine as well as social activities like shopping and visiting friends.

CONCLUSION

Urinary incontinence seriously affected the quality of life of women. Still, consultation rate for UI was low in the north Indian women.