Prevalence of female urinary incontinence in the state of Roraima, Brazil

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant health problem leading to physical, psychological and social discomfort, especially in elderly women. A study of prevalence and classification of UI in the Roraima state was taken up to aid in formulation of healthcare policy and improvement of patient referral facilities. A retrospective study of 765 female patients who have undergone urodynamic examination between November 2013 and December 2014 has been conducted. Subjects were classified in to diagnostic classes: normal, stress incontinence, mixed incontinence, sensitive emergency, overactive bladder, and others. The overall prevalence of UI was 58.4%. The highest prevalence was observed in the menopausal age group (45- 49 years). Among the etiologies of UI, stress incontinence ranked highest at 30.9%, followed by overactive bladder at 6.9%. In the 25-55 years age group, stress incontinence was predominant (50-63%), while overactive bladder became significant (14-44%) in later years. The prevalence of UI in women in the state of Roraima, was high, in line with its prevalence in Brazil, as well as other western countries.