Prevalence factors for urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women and the impact on quality of life

Abstract

Introduction: In senescence there are several alterations in the body, among them the dysfunctions of the pelvic floor, in which there is a decrease in the elasticity and contractility of the bladder, a decrease in the functional length of the urethra, impairing the capacity of efficient contraction of the intimate region, contributing for the emergence of urinary incontinence. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in elderly women after menopause and its influence on quality of life. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study with a quantitative approach, with the opinion of Platform 4,186,594. It was developed in a private clinic in Teresina - PI, including 11 female elderly women, aged 50 to 80 years who have passed menopause and excluded those who had cognitive impairment, who underwent pelvic surgery such as hysterectomy. They were approached, explained about the theme and those who wanted to carry out the research signed a Free and Informed Consent Term. After being signed, a form with personal data and the questionnaire to analyze the quality of life (KHQ) was answered. Results and Discussion: IUU and IUM prevailed in the survey with 36.4%, followed by SUI with 18.2%. 33.3% of incontinents reported urinary loss throughout the day, presenting involuntary loss and 2 times a day, with 81.3% having symptoms for more than a year. In reference to the KHQ questionnaire that assesses the quality of life of incontinent women, 45% have poor health perception, 54% reported having an impact on life, 40% limited their daily activities, 43% limited their physical lives, 42% limited social life , 29.60% had their personal relationships decreased, 32.60% had their emotions affected, 54.50% reported disturbing their sleep and disposition and 49% measures of severity. All participants had some chronic pathology, had more than two births, use medication, a high BMI. Final Considerations: The present study obtained a small number of participants, so it is necessary a new study with a larger sample, analyzing the main risk factors that can lead to UI, as well as analyzing the quality of life of the participants in relation to pathology.