Assessment of knowledge level of women with urinary incontinence – a single-center online study

Introduction:
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread chronic disease that causes embarrassment and shame among patients and can affect between 17 to 60% of the population. It can alter the quality of life and cause physical and mental discomfort. Not all women are aware of urogynecological physiotherapy when a physiotherapy visit is recommended after each pregnancy.

Aims:
The aim of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge of women with urinary incontinence.

Material and methods:
A group of 189 women participated in the study. There was a questionnaire used which was placed on different websites.

Results:
Although women's knowledge level of urinary incontinence can be considered good, almost half of the respondents have not been to a specialist in relation to this issue. Many women feel embarrassed when experiencing urine loss. Frequently, these feelings accompany patients for several years.

Conclusions:
Urinary incontinence is an embarrassing problem for some women, making them reluctant to seek help from a specialist. Expanding preventive and educational initiatives regarding urinary incontinence is important to increase patients’ awareness.