Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Underreported Urinary Incontinence Among Female Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
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Abstract
Background: Urinary incontinence is a common complication in female patients with type 2 diabetes, which negatively impacts quality of life. However, this condition is often underreported. Particularly in Thailand’s healthcare, due to the number of non-communicable disease patients and time constraints, symptom reporting may not be comprehensive. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of underreporting symptoms and identify associated factors.
Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study
Methods: The study involved 179 female patients with type 2 diabetes experiencing urinary incontinence between January and July 2025. Data were collected using questionnaires covering demographic factors, barriers to reporting, and health-related factors. Symptom severity and impact were assessed using the Thai versions of the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 questionnaires. Results were reported as Crude OR and Adjusted OR, with statistical significance of p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of underreporting symptoms was 76%. Factors that increased the likelihood of not reporting symptoms included polypharmacy (OR 17.19; 95% CI 2.74-108.01) and low income (OR 12.29; 95% CI 1.19-126.97). Protective factors that reduced the likelihood of underreporting symptoms were treatment with alternative medicine (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.02-0.76), severity of symptoms (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90-0.99), and impact on quality of life (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.77-0.91).
Conclusion: The prevalence of underreporting urinary incontinence symptoms among female patients with type 2 diabetes was 76%. Significant associated factors were polypharmacy, low income, alternative medicine, symptom severity, and impact on quality of life.
Keywords: urinary incontinence, type 2 diabetes mellitus, underreporting, quality of life
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