Effect of Age, Menopause, Diabetes, Drinking Fluids, and Regular Exercise on Urinary Incontinence in Obese Women based on Anthropometric Indices

Urinary incontinence is one of the most important pelvic floor disorders affecting the patients' quality of life. Although natural delivery and pregnancy are the most important risk factors, less attention is paid to the other involved factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors influencing urinary incontinence in women. A total of 195 obese women (91 cases with urinary incontinence and 104 without UI) were studied in the age range of 25 to 65 years old. After obtaining their consent to participate in the project, completion of the questionnaires and measurement of anthropometric characteristics were performed. SPSS software (version 18, USA) and ANOVA, t-test, and chi-square test were used for Data analysis (α≥ 0.05). There was a significant relationship observed between the mean age, menopause, as well as regular exercise and urinary incontinence. The mean age was higher in the affected group, and regular weekly exercise reduced the incidence of urinary incontinence. In general, the mean of anthropometric indices (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist to height ratio) was lower in participants with urinary incontinence Contrary to the popular belief, in obese women with urinary incontinence, low anthropometric indices appear to increase the incidence of urinary incontinence and regular exercise can reduce the incidence of urinary incontinence.