The effect of telehealth on incontinence severity given to women with urinary incontinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

Although urinary incontinence does not cause mortality, it is a global health problem that adversely affects the quality of life and health of women.

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies investigating the effect of telehealth given to women with urinary incontinence (UI) on the severity of incontinence.

Methods

The literature review for this systematic review was conducted between August-Semptember 2023 using four electronic databases. Y-based articles were scanned using MeSH-based keywords. Randomized Controlled Trials conducted over the last decade were included in the screening.

Results

The analysis included six studies involving 826 women with UI. After telehealth intervention, there was a significant difference in UI symptom severity (MD: −2.14 95% CI: −2.67 to −1.62, Z = 8.03, p < 0.00001) and quality of life (SMD: −2.14 95% CI: −2.67 to −1.62, Z = 8.03, p < 0.00001) compared to the control groups. It had no effect on sexuality (MD: −4.65 95% CI: −9.60 to 0.30, Z = 1.84, p = 0.07), and anxiety (SMD: −0.15, 95% CI: −0.38 to 0.08, Z = 1.27, p = 0.21).

Conclusion

In this analysis, it was found that telehealth interventions performed on women with UI increased the quality of life while reducing the severity of incontinence in women, but had no effect on sexuality, and anxiety.