Predicting delay to treatment of urinary incontinence among urban community-dwelling women in China

Purpose:To determine the effect of socioeconomic factors and variables related to delay to treatment on Chinese women with urinary incontinence(UI).Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 346 incontinent women living in three urban communities.We enrolled a representative subsample of 196 women who sought treatment for UI within the next six months in the study.Socioeconomic and clinical characteristic data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form.Results:Of the 196 women(age[mean and standard deviation]51.58±7.91 years),the delay ranged 1e15 years;64 women(32.7%)reported a>3-year delay.Age(odds ratio[OR]=1.98,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.31-3.00),lower UI severity(subjective)(OR=2.32,95%CI:1.38-3.87),and non-mixed UI(stress or urgency UI alone,OR?1.60,95%CI:1.11-2.32)were risk factors for longer delay.Conclusion:Women who were older,had lower subjective UI severity,and who reported only stress or urgency UI tended to delay treatment longer;such patients should be targeted for health education and intervention regarding UI in urban communities.