Abstract

URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG OBESE WOMEN: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

Parveen Aisha* and Nirupma Singh

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity and Urinary Incontinence (UI) are both common disorders. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise worldwide. Obesity is an independent risk factor for UI as compared to any other factor for daily urinary incontinence. But very few studies studies have been done in this regard ( or context). Aim: To examine the urinary incontinence (UI) and its type among obese women. Method: Thirty-four subjects among age group of 50-60 yrs. The study was done in a Health Care Unit of community center of south Delhi. Type of UI was assessed by using 3 IQ (3 Incontinence Questionnaire). Obesity was measured by calculating Body Mass Index (BMI). Other parameters like parity and lifestyle were also assessed. Result: Mean age of the subjects was 54.11 yrs. The mean BMI was 28.50. 88.23 % subjects were suffering from mixed type of incontinence and 11.76% subjects were suffering from urge incontinence. Conclusion: UI is common in obese women. Factors like obesity are potentially modifiable. Occupational Therapists, by the virtue of their knowledge, can help in management of obesity and UI through behavior modification and changes in Activities of Daily Living.

Keywords: UI, Obesity, Lifestyle, BMI, Parity.