Proportion and Predictors of Urinary Incontinence among Perimenopausal women - A Community based Cross Sectional Study from Central Kerala

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant psychosocial and health concern affecting perimenopausal women, often impacting their quality of life. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed due to social stigma and lack of awareness. Objectives: To estimate the proportion of urinary incontinence and to identify its predictors among perimenopausal women. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 133 perimenopausal women in a selected rural community of Ernakulam district. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID) and a structured questionnaire to assess potential predictors. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: Urinary incontinence was reported in 42.1% of the participants, with 30.1% experiencing stress urinary incontinence, 9.8% urge urinary incontinence, and 2.2% mixed urinary incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence was significantly associated with the total number of deliveries, number of vaginal deliveries, duration of labor, and history of episiotomy (p<0.05). Urge urinary incontinence showed significant associations with the number of deliveries, presence of chronic cough, asthma, constipation, and regular intake of medications (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is prevalent among perimenopausal women and has significant associations with obstetric and chronic health factors. Early identification and appropriate management are essential to reduce the psychosocial burden and enhance quality of life.