PREVALENCE OF URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG WOMEN WITH PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE IN AFRICA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Résumé

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is a distressing complication of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) that contributes to physical discomfort, stigma, and reduced quality of life. While global estimates of UI in women exist, data specific to African women with POP remain fragmented, limiting clinical and policy interventions. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of urinary incontinence among African women with pelvic organ prolapse. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and AJOL for observational studies published between 2010 and May 2025. Eligible studies reported UI prevalence among women with clinically or surgically diagnosed POP in African health facilities. Data were extracted using a pre-designed form, and study quality was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Random-effects models with logit transformation were applied to estimate pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 , Tau 2 , and Cochran’s Q. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s regression, Kendall’s Tau, and Fail-Safe N. Results Twelve studies involving 11,149 women from East, West, Southern, and Central Africa were included. the pooled prevalence of urinary incontinence among women with pelvic organ prolapse across included studies was 33.1% (95% CI: 29.9–36.2%) with substantial heterogeneity (I 2 = 78.5%). Regional subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence in East Africa. No significant publication bias was detected. the pooled prevalence of urinary incontinence among women with pelvic organ prolapse across included studies was 33.1% (95% CI: 29.9–36.2%) Conclusions Approximately one in three African women presenting with POP also experience UI, underscoring a major but under-recognized burden. These findings highlight the need for routine UI screening in POP patients, integration of continence-sparing interventions, and greater policy focus on pelvic floor disorders in Africa. Although region-specific, this evidence contributes to the global understanding of POP-associated morbidities in resource-limited settings.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0