Stress Urinary Incontinence: Age and Gender Differences in Japan's 2023 Health Survey

What is it about?

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and associated factors across sexes using data from the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey. It included 3097 males and 3056 females aged 20-99 years, who provided information through web-based questionnaires regarding their health status and lower urinary tract symptoms. The analysis utilized the Cochran-Armitage trend test to assess age-related trends in SUI prevalence and logistic regression for identifying associated factors. Results indicated a consistent 10% prevalence of SUI in younger males, with no significant age-related change, while female SUI prevalence increased significantly with age. Drinking habits and frequent spicy food intake were linked to SUI in males, whereas age, BMI, and a history of vaginal delivery were associated with female SUI. This study concluded that the prevalence of SUI is low but exhibits different age-related trends between sexes, suggesting distinct sex-specific pathophysiologies and influencing factors.

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Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study investigates the sex-related prevalence and associated factors of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using data from the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey. Understanding the differing prevalence and contributing factors between males and females is significant for both clinical assessment and public health strategies. By examining a large cohort of over 6000 participants, This study aims to clarify the epidemiology of SUI and its sex-specific characteristics, which can lead to more targeted and effective interventions. Key Takeaways: 1. The research demonstrates that the prevalence of SUI is about 10% in both males and females in their 20s and 30s, with no significant age-related differences in males, while in females, prevalence significantly increases with age. 2. Findings reveal that health-related behaviors such as drinking habits and frequent spicy food intake are associated with SUI in males, whereas factors like age, BMI, and history of vaginal delivery are significant in females. 3. This study highlights an increase in the prevalence of male SUI compared to data from 20 years ago, suggesting changing trends in male SUI prevalence over time, despite a low overall frequency in both sexes.