Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of urinary incontinence in Japanese women: A web-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies on urinary incontinence that used a validated international standard questionnaire are limited in Japan, and few studies have examined the sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence according to the Japanese version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and its sociodemographic and behavioral correlates among Japanese women.

DESIGN

A web-based cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A randomly sampled cross-sectional Internet survey was conducted in Japan among 3030 women aged 20-64 years. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score, sociodemographic, body mass index, medical and childbirth history, practice of pelvic floor muscle training, and medical care use were obtained. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and forced-entry logistic regression analysis were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

Participants' average age was 43.4 years, and the response rate was 32.9%. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 25.5%, and it increased with age. Stress urinary incontinence was the most common subtype (57.4%), followed by urge urinary incontinence (20.3%) and mixed urinary incontinence (16.7%). Less than 5% of those with urinary incontinence had experience with pelvic floor muscle training and medical care use. Middle-aged and older (p < 0.001), overweight and obesity (p < 0.001), vaginal delivery status (p < 0.001), low back pain (p = 0.008), and previous pelvic floor muscle training engagement (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSION

Increasing population awareness of urinary incontinence from an early age and developing effective interventions for the identified at-risk groups, such as the middle-aged and older, those with overweight and obesity, and those with previous pregnancies, are urgently needed.