Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence Among Parous Women in Maiduguri, Borno State

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent but underreported condition among Nigerian women, carrying significant quality-of-life burdens that are compounded by socio-cultural stigma and limited specialist care access, particularly in North East Nigeria. This study determines the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence among parous women in Maiduguri, Borno State. A community-based cross-sectional study enrolled 250 parous women aged 20 to 65 years from urban and peri-urban Maiduguri communities through multistage sampling. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was administered by trained interviewers. Urinary incontinence was reported by 39.2 percent of respondents, with stress incontinence the most prevalent type (48 percent), followed by mixed incontinence (31 percent) and urge incontinence (21 percent). Grand multiparity (OR 3.4), previous vaginal delivery with prolonged second stage (OR 2.8), and BMI above 30 kg/m2 (OR 2.2) were significant risk factors. Only 12 percent of affected women had ever sought medical attention, with shame and belief that the condition was a normal consequence of childbearing as primary deterrents. The study reveals substantial hidden morbidity from urinary incontinence in Maiduguri parous women. Recommendations include integration of incontinence screening into postnatal and gynaecological outpatient consultations, public awareness campaigns on care-seeking, and pelvic floor rehabilitation services at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Keywords: urinary incontinence, parous women, Maiduguri, pelvic floor, quality of life