Anal incontinence in women presenting for gynecologic care: prevalence, risk factors, and impact upon quality of life

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 May;192(5):1637-42. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.11.030.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact upon quality of life of anal incontinence (AI) in women aged 18 to 65.

Study design: Consecutive women presenting for general gynecologic care were given a bowel function questionnaire. Women with AI were prompted to complete the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL).

Results: The cohort was composed of 457 women with a mean age of 39.9 +/- 11 years. AI prevalence was 28.4% (95% CI 24.4-32.8). After logistic regression, IBS (OR 3.22, 1.75-5.93), constipation (OR 2.11, 1.22-3.63), age (OR 1.05, 1.03-1.07), and BMI (OR 1.04, 1.01-1.08) remained significant risk factors. The mean FISI score was 20.4 +/- 12.4. Women with only flatal incontinence scored higher, and women with liquid loss scored lower on all 4 scales of the FIQL.

Conclusion: AI is prevalent in women seeking benign gynecologic care, and liquid stool incontinence has the greatest impact upon quality of life.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aging
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cohort Studies
  • Constipation / complications
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Diarrhea / physiopathology
  • Fecal Incontinence / complications
  • Fecal Incontinence / epidemiology*
  • Fecal Incontinence / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Gynecology
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / complications
  • Logistic Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires