Childbirth method has an effect on non-fistulous urinary incontinence amongst sub-Saharan African women: fact or fallacy?

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: The association of mode of childbirth and non-fistulous urinary incontinence has been largely explored among Caucasians with little or no information from black female population living in developing countries. The aim of this study is to address this gap in knowledge.

Methods: A Household Survey of Urinary Incontinence was conducted in 2009. Of the 5,001 eligible respondents, 4,944 had information on childbirth. The relationships between mode of delivery (vaginal, caesarean and assisted--forceps and vacuum) and UI was explored using bivariate and multivariable analysis at 95% confidence level.

Results: Of significant factors on bivariate analysis, only mode of childbirth was significant on regression analysis. Women with history of assisted delivery were about 4.7 times more likely than those who delivered through other means and over seven times more likely than nulliparous women to report urine leakage.

Conclusion: The outcome shows a linkage of childbirth methods with non-fistulous UI in a black population.