Frequency of Urinary Incontinence Among Post COVID Males

Abstract

Background: Amid the global health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, an association with urinary system complications has been identified. Urinary incontinence (UI) has become a significant post-COVID sequela among males, with substantial implications for their quality of life.

Objective: The study aimed to quantify the frequency and delineate the severity of urinary incontinence in post-COVID male patients, as well as to document the prevalence of associated lower urinary tract symptoms.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was executed, engaging 400 male post-COVID patients aged between 45 to 64 years from three hospitals in Lahore. Participants were selected via non-probability convenience sampling and provided data through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-MLUTS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.

Results: The prevalence of urinary incontinence among the participants was high, with 367 (91.75%) reporting some degree of UI. In terms of severity, moderate UI was the most common, affecting 248 (67.5%) of those with UI, followed by slight UI in 82 (22.5%), and severe UI in 37 (10%) participants. The study identified urgency (reported by 133 participants or 33.3% 'occasionally' and 132 or 33% 'most of the time') and postvoid dribbling (reported by 159 participants or 39.8% 'most of the time') as the most frequent symptoms. Notably, there were no reports of very severe urinary incontinence.

Conclusion: The study concludes a high prevalence of urinary incontinence among male patients post-COVID-19, with the majority experiencing moderate severity. These findings underscore the importance of including urinary incontinence assessments in post-COVID patient care and may inform the development of targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.