Prevalence of urinary incontinence among women in Turkey: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary leakage of urine, is a common condition that affects women’s quality of life and overall health. UI becomes more frequent with age and is also observed during pregnancy and postpartum. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of UI among women. A literature search was conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 in Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Türkiye Citation Index, Ulakbim, and Turkish Medline. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Forty-five studies published between 2005 and 2025, including 41,038 participants, were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of UI among women aged 15 years and older was 36.7%. Prevalence estimates for stress, urgency, and mixed UI were 31.1%, 18.4%, and 27.5%. Definitions used influenced prevalence rates. Planning and delivering appropriate health services based on these findings can contribute to protecting and improving women's health. In Türkiye, it would be beneficial to develop a policy to raise awareness about urinary incontinence in women and to evaluate the condition. Interventions can be implemented nationwide in this way.
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Abrams P, Cardozo L, Khoury S, Wein A. Incontinence, fifth edition, the international consultation on urological diseases,http://www.ics.org/Publications/ICI_5/INCONTINENCE.pdf. Accessed 10 Jul 2015.
Sezer Yıldız M, Ayrancı Ü. The prevalence of urinary ıncontinence and associated factors in adult women in primary care. Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 2024; 2(3):159-171. doi:10.61535/bseusbfd.1430443
Çetin Dağlı S, Koca DB. Prevalence of urinary incontinence in women who applied to a family health center in the Van Province. Revista de Gestão e Secretariado 2023;14(10):17703-17714. doi:10.7769/gesec.v14i10.2992
Yağmur Y, Gül S. Urinary incontinence in women aged 40 and older: Its prevalence, risk factors, and effect on quality of life. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 2021;24(2):186-192. doi: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_626_18
Akan N, Sancar B. Frequency of urinary incontinence and attitudes towards urinary incontinence of women in Mersin, Turkey. Pak J Med Sci 2024;40(7):1448. doi: 10.12669/pjms.40.7.8134
Dönmez S, Tümer A, Balkaya NA. Prevalence of urinary incontinence and coping attitudes in women with and without ıncontinence in Turkey. Value in Health Sciences 2024;14(1):126-132. doi:10.33631/sabd.1270502
Şentürk Erenel A, Cicek Ozdemir S. Evaluation of features associated with urinary incontinence in women. Int J Urol Nurs 2022;16(1):32-39. doi:10.1111/ijun.12298
Aydemir A, Esenkaya D. Frequency of urinary incontinence in women, risk factors, and effect of incontinence on quality of life: a cross-sectional study on the Turkish population. J Res Dev Nurs Midwifery 2023;20(2):9-13. doi: 10.29252/jgbfnm.20.2.9
Arslan G, Beydağ KD. Factors affecting urinary incontinence awareness and attitude in menopausal women. Gümüşhane University Journal of Health Sciences 2025;14(1):204-213. doi:10.37989/gumussagbil.1462190
Bahar A, Koçak HS, Kuşlu S. The relationship between urinary ıncontinence and self-esteem of women. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 2023;10(2):494-505. doi:10.21020/husbfd.1129919
Yıldırım K, Ağırman E, Arıca SG. Urinary incontinence frequency and affecting factors in women 18 years and over. Fam Pract Palliat Care 2021;6(1):22-28.
Hüsch T, Ober S, Thomas A, Haferkamp A, Saar M, Kranz J. Reliability of digital health information on stress urinary incontinence compared between different platforms. Urologie 2025;64(6):567-573.
Thabet A, Battecha K, Alayat M, Ali M, Mahmoud H, Ebid AA, Faqih A. Prevalence of urinary incontinence among women in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023;27(13):6040-6045. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202307_32958
Manso M, Botelho F, Bulhões C, Cruz F, Pacheco-Figueiredo L. Self-reported urinary incontinence in women is higher with increased age, lower educational level, lower income, number of comorbidities, and impairment of mental health. Results of a large, population-based, national survey in Portugal. World J Urol 2023; 41(12): 3657-3662.
Mahfouz IA, Blanker MH, Asali F, Al Mehaisen L, Al-Amoosh H, Mahfouz SA. Urinary incontinence among Jordanian women: Prevalence, types, and associated factors. Asian J Urology 2024;11(4):651-659.
Zhu J, Pang H, Wang P, Chen Y, Li H, Liu Q, and Zhu L. Female urinary incontinence in China after 15 years’ efforts: Results from large-scale nationwide surveys. Science Bulletin 2024;69(20):3272-3282. doi: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.04.074
Cayan S, Yaman Ö, Orhan İ, Usta M, Başar M. Resim S, Kadıoğlu A. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence and associated risk factors in Turkish women. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 2016;203:303-308. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.06.030
Yakit Ak E, Şen MA, Aydin A. The prevalence and factors affecting lower urinary tract symptoms in young female university students. Int J Urol Nurs 2025;19(2): e70012. doi:10.1111/ijun.70012
Kürü SA. Meta-analysis. Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute 2021;(42):215-229.
Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Prisma Group. Reprint—preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Physical Therapy 2009; 89(9):873-880. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097
Moola S, Munn Z, Tufanaru C, Aromataris E, Sears K, Sfetcu R, Currie M, Qureshi R, Mattis P, Lisy K. Chapter 7: Systematic reviews of etiology and risk (Vol. 5). The Joanna Briggs Institute; 2017. https://reviewersmanual.joannabriggs.org/
Koçak I, Okyay P, Dundar M, Erol H, Beser E. Female urinary incontinence in the west of Turkey: Prevalence, risk factors and impact on quality of life. European Urology 2005;48(4):634-641.
Kök G, Şenel N, Akyüz A. Determination of the awareness level of the women over 20 years old who attended GMMA Gynecology outpatient clinics in terms of urinary incontinence. Gulhane Med J 2006;48(3):132-136.
Filiz TM, Uludağ C, Çınar N, Gorpelioğlu S, Topsever P. Risk factors for urinary incontinence in Turkish women. Saudi Med J 2006;27(11):1688-1692.
Cetinel B, Demirkesen O, Tarcan T, Yalcin O, Kocak T, Senocak M, Itil I. Hidden female urinary incontinence in urology and obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics in Turkey: What are the determinants of bothersome urinary incontinence and help-seeking behavior? Int Urogynecol J 2007;18(6):659-664.
Onur R, Deveci SE, Rahman S, Sevindik F, Acik Y. Prevalence and risk factors of female urinary incontinence in eastern Turkey. International Journal of Urology 2009;16(6):566-569. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2009.02311.x. Epub 2009 28 April
Çiftçi Ö, Günay O. Prevalence of urinary incontinence and affecting factors among the women attending gynaecology clinics of Kayseri Education and Research Hospital J Clin Pract Res 2011; 33(4).
Özdemir E, Özerdoğan N, Ünsal A. Urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life among married women older than 20 in Ankara Gulveren Health Clinic Region. Turkiye Klinikleri J Gynecol Obst 2011;21(4):266-76.
Oztora S, Cetin C, Dagdeviren N, Caylan A, Set T. Prevalence of urinary incontinence and affecting factors among Turkish women. Health MED 2011;5(5):1058-1064.
Yalcin O, Timur S, Özbaş A, Özerdoğan N, Aslan E, Kızılkaya Beji N. Urinary incontinence prevalence and risk factors in women aged 20 and over in Malatya. International Journal of Urological Nursing 2011;5(2):65-72. doi:10.1111/j.1749-771X.2011.01118.x
Işıklı B, Yenilmez A, Kalyoncu C. Prevalence, risk factors, and effects on life quality of urinary incontinence among 18 years or older women living in Alpu district of Eskisehir: A populatıon based study. Nobel Med 2011;7(2):34-39.
Can T, Yağcı N, Cavlak U. Effects of urinary incontinence on depressive symptoms and quality of life in women with reproductive age. Fizyoter Rehabil 2012;23(2):83-89.
Demirci N, Aba YA, Süzer F, Karadağ F, Ataman H. Urinary incontinance and its effects on life quality for women over 18. Fırat Health Services 2012;7(19):23-37.
Dursun P, Dogan NU, Kolusari A, Dogan S, Ugur MG, Komurcu O, Yigit FA. Differences in geographical distribution and risk factors for urinary incontinence in Turkey: Analysis of 6,473 women. Urol Int 2014;92(2):209-214. doi: 10.1159/000353347
Kocaöz S, Talas MS, Atabekoglu CS. Urinary incontinence among Turkish women: An outpatient study of prevalence, risk factors, and quality of life. Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing 2012;39(4):431-439. doi: 10.1097/WON.0b013e318259c42b
Öztürk GZ, Toprak D, Basa E. The frequency and the affecting factors of urinary incontinence in women over 35 years old. Med Bull Sisli Etfal Hosp 2012;46(4):170-176.
Bektas H, Alparslan, O. The factors related to prevalence of urinary stress incontinence in women inhabiting in Primer Health Center, Turkey. Health Med 2013;7:182-189.
Sensoy N, Dogan N, Ozek B, Karaaslan L. Urinary incontinence in women: prevalence rates, risk factors, and impact on quality of life. Pak J Med Sci 2013;29(3):818.
Terzi H, Terzi R, Kale A. Urinary incontinence frequency and affecting factors in women aged over 18. Ege Journal of Medicine 2013;52(1):15-19. https://izlik.org/JA35CH26JJ
Ünsal A, Tözün M, Arslantaş D. Urinary ıncontinence, related factors, and depression among 20 aged and over women in Beylikova district centre in Eskişehir. Gulhane Med J 2013;12(3).
Sarici H, Ozgur BC, Telli O, Doluoglu OG, Eroglu M, Bozkurt S. The prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence in a Turkish women population; associated risk factors and effect on quality of life. Urologia Journal 2016;83(2):93-98.
Durukan H, Tok CE, Tok D, Aytan H. Self-perceived frequency of urinary incontinence by women and distribution of incontinence types according to age-groups in target population of Mersin. Zeynep Kamil Med J 2015;46(1):1-5. doi: 10.16948/zktb.68373
Gözükara F, Koruk I, Kara B. Urinary incontinence among women registered with a family health center in the Southeastern Anatolia Region and the factors affecting its prevalence. Turk J Med Sci 2015;45(4):931-939. doi:10.3906/sag-1410-31
Özkan SZ, Sapmaz E. Prevalence and risk factors of female urinary ıncontinence during the reproductive stage. J Kartal TR 2015;26(2):101-106. doi: 10.5505/jkartaltr.2015.93271
Akkuş Y, Pınar G. Evaluation of the prevalence, type, severity, and risk factors of urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life among women in Turkey. Int Urogynecol J 2016;27(6):887-893. doi: 10.1007/s00192-015-2904-5. Epub 2015 Dec 5
Kılıç M. Incidence and risk factors of urinary incontinence in women visiting Family Health Centers. Springerplus 2016;5(1):1331. doi: 10.1186/s40064-016-2965-z. eCollection 2016
İrer B, Şen V, Demir Ö, Bozkurt O, Esen A. The effects of urinary incontinence subtypes on quality of life: does it matter urinary incontinence subtype on doctor consultations? Ortadogu Medical Journal 2018;10(1):8-12. doi:10.21601/ortadogutipdergisi.330654
Özdemir K, Şahin S, Özerdoğan N, Ünsal A. Evaluation of urinary incontinence and quality of life in married women aged between 20 and 49 years. Turk J Med Sci 2018;48(1):100-109. doi: 10.3906/SAG-1605-73
Yücel U, Hadımlı A, Koçak YÇ, Ekşioğlu AB, Dilek S, Saydam BK. Urinary incontinence prevalence and risk factors in women at the age of 20 and over living in Bornova. Archives of Health Science and Research 2018;5(3):414-423. doi:10.17681/hsp.385265
Baykuş N, Yenal K. Prevalence of urinary incontinence in women aged 18 and over and affecting factors. Journal of Women & Aging 2019; 1-13. doi: 10.1080/08952841.2019.1682923
Aynacı G. Women with hidden urinary incontinence waiting to be discovered: A snapshot from a developing country. Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences 2020;4(1):7-14. doi:10.30621/jbachs.2019.756
Alkurt Narçiçeği B, Yakar B, Narçiçeği HR, Önalan E, Pirinçci E. Prevalence and associated factors of urinary incontinence among adult women in primary care. Cukurova Medical Journal 2021;46(4):1516-1522. doi:10.17826/cumj.983518
Tanrıkulu G, Doğanay M, Akselim MB, Kokanalı MK, Özcan K, Cavkaytar S. Risk factors for stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence. Journal of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Neonatology Medicine 2021;18(2):812-817. doi:10.38136/jgon.836649
Gamsızkan Z, Sungur MA, Kaya AE, Çayır Y. Urinary incontinence in women living in rural areas and reflections on quality of life. Mid Blac Sea J Health Sci 2021;7(1):32-37. doi:10.19127/mbsjohs.836518
Baser DA, Çevik M, Ünverdi EH, Gümüştakım RŞ, Cankurtaran M. The knowledge, awareness, and primary care applications of women about urinary incontinence: A survey in primary care. Anatol J Family Med 2021;4(1):43. doi: 10.5505/anatoljfm.2020.96977
Mostafaei H, Sadeghi Bazargani H, Hajebrahimi S, Salehi Pourmehr H, Ghojazadeh M, Onur R, Oelke M. Prevalence of female urinary incontinence in the developing world: A systematic review and meta analysis-A Report from the Developing World Committee of the International Continence Society and Iranian Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine. Neurourology and Urodynamics 2020;39(4):1063-1086. doi: 10.1002/NAU.24342
Bertuit J, Nzinga AML, Feipel V. Female urinary ıncontinence in Africa: Prevalence estimates from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J 2025; 1-20. doi: 10.1007/s00192-025-06146-6
Wang Q, Que YZ, Wan XY, Lin CQ. Prevalence, risk factors, and impact on life of female urinary incontinence: An epidemiological survey of 9584 women in a region of southeastern China. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy 2023;1477-1487. doi: 10.2147/RMHP. S421488
Hammad FT. Prevalence, social impact, and help-seeking behaviour among women with urinary incontinence in the Gulf countries: A systematic review. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 2021; 266: 150-156. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.10.005
Lee UJ, Feinstein L, Ward JB, Kirkali Z, Martinez-Miller EE, Matlaga BR, Kobashi KC. Prevalence of urinary incontinence among a nationally representative sample of women, 2005–2016: findings from the Urologic Diseases in America project. Journal of Urology 2021;205(6):1718-1724. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000001634. Epub 2021 Feb 19
Rostami P, Mostafaei H, Salehi Pourmehr H, Hajebrahimi S. Prevalence of female urinary incontinence in the developing world: An update on systematic review and meta-analysis-A report from the Developing World Committee of the International Continence Society and Iranian Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine. Continence 2025;15:102180. doi:10.1016/j.cont.2025.102180
Tahra A, Bayrak Ö, Dmochowski R. The epidemiology and population-based studies of women with lower urinary tract symptoms: a systematic review. Turk J Urol 2022;48(2):155. doi: 10.5152/tud.2022.21325
Onishi A, Shibata A. Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of urinary incontinence in Japanese women: A web-based cross-sectional study. Women’s Health (Lond) 2023;19. doi: 10.1177/17455057231207754
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.