The Impact of Patient Demographics and Clinical Characteristics on Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates how patient demographics and clinical characteristics influence treatment outcomes in urinary incontinence, aiming to identify key factors that impact patient perceptions of improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 251 patients treated for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at a tertiary care center. Patient characteristics, including age, body mass index (BMI), parity, and education level, were analyzed in relation to treatment outcomes using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scores. Statistical methods, specifically Spearman’s correlation, were employed to examine potential associations between these variables and PGI-I scores. RESULTS: Analysis revealed no significant correlations between traditionally emphasized demographic factors, such as age and BMI, and PGI-I scores, suggesting that commonly considered characteristics may not directly influence patient satisfaction with treatment. The findings challenge assumptions that higher education or parity necessarily correlate with better or worse treatment outcomes, pointing to a need for a broader approach to patient assessment. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the importance of a holistic, patient-centered approach to urinary incontinence treatment, considering a wider array of factors beyond demographic profiles. These insights call for further research to explore the complex variables affecting patient-reported outcomes in urogynecology and to enhance individualized care strategies.