The prevalence of urinary incontinence in women engaged in strength training and its association with knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Background
Urinary incontinence (UI) is commonly associated with older populations; however, it also affects younger women, particularly those engaged in high-impact sports. Understanding the reasons for a lack of preventive measures or the inadequate use of available strategies requires an examination of individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to UI. Identifying KAP gaps may inform the development of more effective preventive and interventional strategies.

Aims
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UI among women who engage in strength training and to investigate whether their levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding UI are associated with its occurrence and severity.

Material and methods
Data were collected through an online survey that included sociodemographic questions, items about strength training, a KAP questionnaire, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The sample comprised 238 nulliparous women aged 18–40 who participated in strength training.

Results
Within the sample, 23.5% of women reported experiencing UI during training sessions, and 47.9% during activities such as coughing, laughing, or bending over. Few participants sought professional help. Adequate knowledge alone, as well as both ad equate knowledge and attitude, were associated with a lower prevalence of UI. Longer training experience correlated with both a more appropriate level of knowledge and attitude, and with a higher frequency of UI symptoms. A negative correlation emerged between UI symptoms and age. Although participants aged 18–25 more frequently demonstrated adequate knowledge, they also exhibited a higher rate of UI.

Conclusions
Participants with adequate knowledge and attitude reported less frequent UI, whereas those with more extensive training experience reported more frequent UI episodes. Although younger participants displayed higher levels of UI knowledge, they also experienced UI more often. These findings highlight critical knowledge gaps and underscore the importance of raising awareness to prevent UI in strength-training women.