Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence Among University Students and Associated Factors.

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: Urinary incontinence can occur during university years, just as at other stages of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and related factors in university students.

Methods: The cross-sectional research involved 293 students enrolled in the faculty of health sciences at a public institution. Data were collected using an information form, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, the King's Health Survey, the Physical Activity Scale- 2, and the Childhood Trauma Scale. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise group comparisons, the Kruskal-Wallis test for three or more group comparisons, and the Spearman correlation test were used to analyze data that did not follow a normal distribution.

Results: The students' average age was 20.94 ± 1.70 years; 79.2% of them were female. It is observed that 98.6% of the students who were enrolled were single. 15.7% of the students reported that they frequently experienced urinary tract infections. 30% of the students had urinary incontinence problems; 21.1% were affected mildly, 8.2% moderately and 0.7% severely. It was found that the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life varied based on students' personal characteristics and urinary problems. Various associations were identified between age, urinary incontinence symptoms, quality of life, physical activity levels, and childhood trauma.

Conclusions: Preventive interventions should be implemented to address urinary incontinence among university students, as it is a public health concern. To avert the onset of urinary incontinence, it is advisable to identify students experiencing this condition, assist them in enhancing their quality of life by addressing relevant factors, promote and motivate them toward physical activity, and implement preventive measures such as exercise programs and counseling.