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Abstract
Introduction: Urinary incontinence is a common, but often underreported health issue that impacts both men and women, leading to physical discomfort, emotional distress, social avoidance and decreased quality of life.
Objective: To find out the prevalence of urinary incontinence, associated risk factors and effect of urinary incontinence among male and female patients attending a primary health care center in Sikanderabad, Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2025 to August 2025 at a Primary Health Care Center, Sikanderabad, Karachi. The number of patients was 80; male and female, age 18 years and above, collected through consecutive sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on demographic information, urinary symptoms and risk factors, and quality-of-life impact.
Results: 34 participants (42.5%) reported urinary incontinence. This was more prevalent in females than males. The following factors were identified as major risk factors: increasing age, obesity, multiparity, vaginal delivery, diabetes, hypertension, chronic cough and constipation. The effects were often emotional, sleep and social avoidance.
Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is common in both genders and requires routine screening, awareness, counseling, and early management at the primary care level.