Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), identify associated risk factors, and evaluate its impact on quality of life (QoL) among post-menopausal women attending primary-health-care (PHC) centers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in seven Ministry of Health PHCs from January 2024 to March 2025. Using simple random sampling, 381 Saudi women aged 55-75 years were interviewed with a structured Arabic questionnaire that captured socio-demographic and clinical variables, the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6), and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7).
Results: UI was reported by 150 participants, giving a prevalence of 39.4%. Half of the incontinent women recorded high symptom distress (UDI-6), and 54% reported marked QoL impairment (IIQ-7). Chronic constipation and chronic cough were significantly related to UI; constipation and hypertension independently predicted severe distress, whereas being married and having one to three vaginal deliveries were protective. Symptom severity correlated moderately with QoL loss.
Conclusion: UI was both common and burdensome in post-menopausal PHC attendees in Al-Ahsa. Constipation and hypertension amplify distress, while social support and a moderate number of vaginal births mitigate it. Routine enquiry about leakage, bowel habits, blood-pressure control, and pelvic-floor health should be integrated into primary care, accompanied by targeted education and timely referral to reduce the personal and societal impact of UI.

Key words: Urinary incontinence, prevalence, quality of life, post-menopausal women, Saudi Arabia