BACKGROUND

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent condition among women in Saudi Arabia, characterized by involuntary urine leakage during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SUI and identify its key risk factors.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published up to July 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

RESULTS

Ten observational studies involving 18,245 participants met the inclusion criteria, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed to address heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of SUI was 26% (95% CI: 14-41%, I = 99%, < 0.001), with rates ranging from 3.3% to 50%. Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 17% (95% CI: 1-42%, I = 99%, < 0.001) in the general population and 33% (95% CI: 19-48%, I = 99%, < 0.001) in specific groups, such as postpartum women and those with low back pain. Significant risk factors included age, obesity, high parity, and chronic conditions like diabetes. Despite high heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings underscore the need for public health strategies focused on weight management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and increased awareness about SUI. Effective preventive measures could significantly reduce the burden of SUI and improve the quality of life for women in Saudi Arabia.