Urinary incontinence associates with poor work ability in middle-aged women: A Northern Finland Birth cohort 1966 study

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary incontinence is a common ailment in women and is likely to affect their work ability. We investigated the associations between the different subtypes of urinary incontinence and several dimensions of perceived work ability in middle-aged general population. Material and methods: Cross-sectional survey at age 46 among participants of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study (n = 3706, response rate 72%). Urinary incontinence symptoms and several items of Work Ability Index were collected by postal questionnaire. Work ability was dichotomized as good or poor work ability in general, in relation to physical job demands, to diseases and own 2-year prospect of work ability. The associations between urinary incontinence and work ability measures were assessed using logistic regression models, with further adjustments for biological, behavioral and work-related factors as well as general health. Results: The odds ratio (OR), from lowest to highest, for poor work ability were 1.4-fold among women with stress urinary incontinence (OR 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.72), 2.5-fold with mixed urinary incontinence (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.68–3.74) and 3.3-fold with urgency urinary incontinence (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.95–5.70). We note that our results reflect work ability in a Nordic society. Conclusions: Especially urgency and mixed types of urinary incontinence are associated with poor work ability among middle-aged women.