A survey of urinary incontinence and health literacy among female rehabilitation professional therapists

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence, background factors, general health literacy, and knowledge of urinary incontinence among female rehabilitation professionals. [Participants and Methods] We conducted an anonymous online survey of 73 female rehabilitation professionals who worked in a general hospital. The survey collected data on demographics, number of urinations, incontinence-related disorders, and childbirth history. Moreover, the severity of urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence-related quality of life, and general health literacy were assessed. [Results] Urinary incontinence was reported by 49.3% participants. Those with urinary incontinence were older, had a higher number of births, and reported higher rates of vaginal delivery and perineal incision than those without urinary incontinence. One item of the quality of life that was related to urinary incontinence, “personal relationships”, was influenced by the frequency of micturition while the other items were related to the severity of urinary incontinence. [Conclusion] Female rehabilitation professionals have a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence than women in general population as shown in previous studies (Onishi, 2023). Therefore, it is important to understand the work characteristics that predispose individuals to urinary incontinence and to create a toilet-friendly workplace environment.