Risk factors for stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors associated with specific subtypes of urinary incontinence (UI). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2013 and July 2014. There were 1459 patients included in our study. Of these, 958 women were incontinent, and 501 were continent. The Turkish version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), urogynecologic and pelvic examination were used for UI diagnosis. Patients' detailed medical histories were obtained. Categorical variables were evaluated using Pearson’s Chi-squared test. One-way Analysis of Variance and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyze continous variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to obtain statistically significant UI-associated risk factors. Results: A history of giving birth to a baby weighing >4000 gr, early age at menarche, menopause, constipation, coffee consumption, asthma, lumbal disc hernia, family history, and recurrent urinary infections were associated with all types of UI. Delivery at home increased the risk of both stress and urge urinary incontinence (SUI and UUI, respectively). Cystocele and rectocele increased the risk of both SUI and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). The risk of UUI was shown to increase in women who were receiving hormone replacement therapy and who had cuff prolapse. High body mass index was indicated as a specific risk factor for MUI. Conclusions: Determining risk factors and high risk women is very important for development of preventative medical approaches for UI.