Factors Associated With Anal Incontinence in Elderly Women Practicing Physical Exercises: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study verified the risk factors for Anal incontinence (AI) in elderly women who exercise. Cross-sectional study with elderly women from southern Brazil. Gynecological-obstetric and behavioral information, anthropometric measurements and physical skills were evaluated. The symptoms of AI were assessed using the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8). Variables with p ≤ 0.05 were taken into account for the logistic regression model. One hundred and twenty-nine elderly women (69.41 ± 4.95 years) participated in the study. The variables previous gynecological surgery (OR 2.18, 95% CI, 1.02–4.81), number of pregnancies (OR 1.32, 95% CI, 1.02–1.71) and urinary incontinence (UI) (OR 2.22; 95% CI, 1.01–4.87) were at risk for AI. Previous gynecological surgery, number of pregnancies and UI are risk factors for AI in elderly women who practice physical exercises. Implications for practice: We suggest to develop physical activity and rehabilitation programs aimed at the elderly population.