A population-based cross-sectional survey on the prevalence, severity, risk factors, and self-perception of female urinary incontinence in rural Fujian, China

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine the prevalence, severity, risk factors and self-perception of female urinary incontinence (UI) in rural Fujian, China. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 2022. Women aged 20 to 70 years from rural communities in Fujian Province were selected by multistage random sampling. Data from respondents were collected by completing standardised questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. The main outcome was prevalence and self-perception of UI. RESULTS: A total of 5659 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall prevalence of female UI was 23.6% (95% CI 22.5–24.7). The most common type was stress UI with a prevalence of 14.0% (95% CI 13.1–14.9), followed by mixed UI with a prevalence of 6.1% (95% CI 5.5–6.7), and finally urgency UI with a prevalence of 3.5% (95% CI 3.0–3.9). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that older age, obesity, postmenopausal status, multiple vaginal deliveries, macrosomia, instrumental vaginal delivery and previous pelvic floor surgeries were independently associated with UI (P < 0.05). The overall awareness rate of UI was 24.7%, and older age, lower level of education, and income were significantly associated with a decrease in awareness (P < 0.05). Only 33.3% of respondents believed they should seek medical help for UI. CONCLUSION: UI affects more than one-fifth of women in rural Fujian, and several factors are thought to be associated with its development. Rural women have a poor self-perception of UI, which is exacerbated by older age, lower levels of education, and lower income.