Study on 175 people in Kenya and Nigeria claims number could be as high as 1 in 5 women
Photo for representation: iStock The impacts of urinary incontinence (UI) on women in sub-Saharan Africa are far reaching, which may be affecting one in five women in the region, a new study has claimed. UI also significantly affects women’s health and quality of life, it said, calling for greater awareness and education about the issue, along with access to treatment.
Urinary incontinence is uncontrolled or involuntary loss of urine, a condition that is relatively common among women, yet it is often underdiagnosed and underreported. It can occur during various activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.
The research was carried out by medical technology company Axena Health in collaboration with ThinkPlace, a global design thinking and strategy firm. The company claimed the study was the first of its kind.
The report, Urinary Incontinence in Sub-Saharan Africa: Experiences of Women and Healthcare Workers in Nigeria and Kenya and Opportunities for Expanding Care, showcased research results from women experiencing UI and healthcare professionals engaged in delivering women’s healthcare services.
The paper offered insights from a group of 175 individuals, including healthcare professionals and women (aged 18-65) dealing with urinary incontinence in Kenya and Nigeria.
The researchers conducted qualitative interviews over a period of two weeks in Nairobi and one week in Lagos (August-September 2023). Most women in the interviews described UI as having a significant impact on their daily lives, including activity restrictions and negative social consequences.
In Kenya and Nigeria, numerous women experienced UI symptoms either during pregnancy or shortly after. The physiological transformations linked to pregnancy and childbirth, including hormonal shifts and weakening of pelvic floor muscles, elevate the likelihood of developing the condition.
Many women commonly reported a shared experience of frequently delaying urination for extended periods due to limited access to toilets or avoidance of unsanitary public facilities. They attributed the weakening of their muscles and subsequent UI to this practice.
Most women in both countries do not seek treatment for UI because they are unaware that it is a medical condition that can be improved with treatment.
The study findings underscore a resounding call from both women and healthcare workers (HCW) for enhanced educational initiatives and expanded treatment options.
Most women were familiar with pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegels, as a treatment for UI, but they stated that they are not always effective or performed correctly.
When asked about new treatment options, participants expressed strong interest in non-surgical and non-pharmacological interventions, expressing a preference for clinician-guided treatments administered at a healthcare facility.
Digital health technologies, including intravaginal devices and smartphone applications tailored for women with UI, garnered unanimous interest among all participants. Both healthcare workers and women experiencing UI concurred that accessing such treatments is most preferable in a clinical setting, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
The results of this study reveal a keen enthusiasm among both women and HCWs to explore novel treatment options for UI. The study revealed the need for awareness, education and access to treatment options for women in developing countries.
The company is offering a flagship product, Leva Pelvic Health System (Leva), as a new and effective first-line treatment for UI and chronic faecal incontinence. Leva is a medical device withintegrated software that claims to enable women to observe real-time pelvic floor muscle movement and provides guidance for correct treatment completion.
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