Urinary Incontinence and Its Relationship with Obstetric, Age, and Ethnic Factors. A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: /Objetives: To relate types of Urinary Incontinence (UI) with obstetric, age, and ethnic factors of interest—a cross-sectional study Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a population of 2,039 women with urinary incontinence (UI). Data were collected between October and November 2022 in various areas of the provinces of Imbabura, Carchi, and Esmeraldas. Information was obtained through characterization questionnaires and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson’s chi-square test, odds ratio [OR], and 95% confidence interval [CI]) to determine the associations and the likelihood ratio between UI and the variables of interest. Results: were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson’s chi-square, odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals) to determine associations and odds ratios between UI and the variables of interest. A significant association was found, with increased risk, between Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and women who were nulliparous or had cesarean sections; based on number of children, nulliparous and primiparous women; young adults; Karanki and Afro-descendant ethnicities. Regarding Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI), the highest risk factors were normal delivery, grand multiparity, advanced age, and Awá and Mestizo ethnicity; protective factors included nulliparity and cesarean section, young adulthood, and White, Afro-descendant, and Karanki ethnicities. Finally, Mixed Urinary Incontinence (MUI) was strongly associated with cesarean section, grand multiparity, advanced age, and certain ethnicities (White and Mestizo), while being primiparous, young, or of Awá ethnicity was protective. Conclusions: Female urinary incontinence is statistically associated with obstetric, age, and ethnic factors.