Ann Gynecol Obstetr Res | Volume 8, Issue 1 | Review Article | Open Access
Fehintola AO*, Ajiboye DA, Abdur-Rahim ZF, Ayegbusi EO and Orji EO
Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals
Complex, Nigeria
*Correspondance to: Akintunde Fehintola
Fulltext PDFAmong women worldwide, Urinary Incontinence (UI) is very common. With particular examples from Nigeria, we examine UI, its effects, and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa in this review paper. It is challenging to determine the incidence of UI in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, due to the wide range of reporting that occurs from patients concealing their illness because of the stigma attached to it in many communities. Although a large portion of the literature from low- or low-middle-income nations concentrates on pelvic floor fistula UI, new research shows that mixed UI, non-fistulous stress, and urgency are very common in sub-Saharan Africa. The risk factors for non-fistulous incontinence are similar to those found in high-income countries: high parity, vaginal and assisted delivery, gestational age, constipation, obesity, chronic cough, and ageing. Urinary incontinence has significant social and emotional consequences, with a high proportion of women in African countries reporting relationship problems, depression, and suicidal ideation. The perceived aetiology of incontinence in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly understood, which may, in part, prevent women from seeking medical assistance. To assist the as-yet-unquantified number of women with non-fistulous leaking, more physicians, medical officers, and improved resource prioritisation will be needed due to a shortage of experts qualified to treat women with UI. If the stigma associated with incontinence is removed and women are encouraged to seek treatment, better patient perinatal education may further lower the prevalence of fistula.
Urinary incontinence; Obesity; Fistula; Sexual abuse
Fehintola AO, Ajiboye DA, Abdur-Rahim ZF, Ayegbusi EO, Orji EO. Urinary Incontinence Among Women in Sub- Sahara Africa: A Review Article. Ann Gynecol Obstetr Res. 2026; 8(1): 1031.