The assessment of male urinary incontinence; the knowledge, prevalence, perceived causes and care in Obingwa LGA

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, prevalence, perceived causes and care of male urinary incontinence in Obingwa LGA.

Background: Globally, urinary incontinence is a problem that is becoming a serious health issue for men of all ages, cultural and socioeconomic status. Its prevalence is largely unknown in Obingwa local government area of Abia State.

Materials and Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out in Obingwa local government area of Abia State through the month of July 2017 where 384 men were selected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 20.0 software and Pv >0.05 was statistically significant

Results: The study showed that 85.9% had knowledge of male urinary incontinence with the prevalence of 14.5% and commoner in persons >40 years (48.7%). About 43.5% attributed the cause to ageing, and then sexually transmitted diseases (31.5%), trauma 8.9% and benign prostatic hyperplasia 2.0% while 14.1% didn't know the cause. 48.7% prefers traditional medical  care as the treatment option, as against proper medical or surgical care. There is a direct proportionality relationship between age and male urinary incontinence.

Conclusion: The respondents in Obingwa LGA have good knowledge and high prevalence of male urinary incontinence. Age was observed to be the main cause of urinary incontinence.

Keywords: male, incontinence, urinary, assessment, Obingwa