The prevalence, associated factors, and impact of urinary incontinence in pregnant and postpartum women in Nanjing, China: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent in antenatal and postnatal women while the prevalence of UI varied largely from 3.84% to 38.65%. This study was to assess the prevalence of UI, the associated factors, and the impact of UI on daily life in pregnant and postpartum women in Nanjing, China.

METHODS

The prevalence of UI and the impact of UI on life were assessed by the validated Chinese version of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-urinary incontinence-short form and the validated Chinese version of urinary incontinence quality of life. The associated factors were estimated by using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

UI affected 37.80% of pregnant women and 16.41% of postpartum women of the study population. Among the pregnant participants, the prevalence rates of stress UI, urge UI, and mixed UI were 25.77%, 4.47%, and 7.10%, respectively. Among the postpartum women, the prevalence rates of stress UI, urge UI, and mixed UI were 11.15%, 1.92%, and 2.69%, respectively. In both pregnant women and postpartum women, vaginal delivery had significantly increased the odds of reporting UI (=0.007, =0.003, respectively). The impact of UI on daily life was significantly greater in postpartum women compared to pregnant women especially in social embarrassment (=0.000).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence rates of UI were high in pregnant women in Nanjing, China. Vaginal delivery significantly increased odds of reporting UI. UI has a great impact on pregnant and postpartum women's life, especially in social embarrassment.