The association between visceral adiposity index and female stress urinary incontinence: the NHANES 2013 to 2018

Obesity is an independent risk factor for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) has recently been used as a reliable index to assess visceral fat accumulation and dysfunction. The objective of this research was to examine the correlation between VAI and SUI among adult females. Our study is a cross-sectional study derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 5938 females were enrolled, and all participants had complete VAI and SUI data. We analyzed weighted multivariable logistic regression to assess the independent association between VAI and SUI. In addition, we also used subgroup analyses and interaction tests to examine the stability of this result. Among 5938 female adult participants, 2438 of whom were SUI, there was a positive association between VAI and SUI. In the fully adjusted model, each 1 unit increase in VAI index was associated with a 3% increase in the risk of developing SUI [1.03 (1.01-1.06)]. Compared to those in the lowest quartile, participants in the highest quartile of VAI exhibited a 57% higher prevalence of SUI [1.57 (1.33-1.86)]. The observed positive correlation was particularly prominent among individuals aged 20 to 40, often vigorous recreational activities, nondiabetic, Mexican American, and non-Hispanic black populations. VAI and SUI have a positive relationship among females in the United States.