The prevalence of urinary incontinence in nulliparous and parous adult netball players

Netball is a fast-paced high-impact sport, however the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) amongst netball players in unknown. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of UI within nulliparous and parous non-elite netball players. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a netball league in South Australia. Eligible participants were female netball players ( ≥ 18 years). A survey specific to symptoms of UI while playing netball was designed and piloted. The surveys were distributed during training sessions. The question “Do you ever leak urine while training or playing netball” was used to assess prevalence of UI while participating in netball. The Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID) was used to assess UI in daily life. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression. Response rate was 77% (176/229). Half (88/176) of the sample was parous, 46% (81/176) nulliparous. Prevalence of UI while participating in netball was 29% (51/176, 95%CI 22.8-36.1%) in the whole sample, 43% (38/88, 95%CI 33.3-53.6%) in the parous group and 14% (11/81,95%CI 7.8-22.7%) in the nulliparous group. Prevalence of UI in daily life was 61% (107/176, 95%CI 53.4-67.7%) in the whole sample. The mean QUID stress score was 1.8 and urge score was 2 in the whole sample, indicating low frequency of UI leaks during activities of daily living. This study has identified a significant proportion of women playing netball at club level experience UI. Screening for UI within netball clubs may assist symptomatic women to receive early treatment. • Nearly 1 in 3 women - and 1 in 2 parous women - who participate in netball at club level may experience UI. • Screening for UI within netball clubs may assist symptomatic women to receive effective treatment. • Trials of PFM training in netball players are needed to establish efficacy of this intervention to reduce UI. • Specific tailored rehabilitation programs should be considered for women returning to netball postnatally.