Magnitude and factors associated with urinary incontinence among postpartum women in Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Postpartum urinary incontinence is an important but underreported maternal health issue, with limited available evidence from Ethiopia, particularly in Northwest Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and its associated factors among women attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted among 423 postpartum women selected via systematic random sampling from January 1 to April 30, 2025. Data were collected by interviewer‑administered questionnaires and analyzed using STATA 17. Variables with p ≤ 0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported. RESULTS: A total of 421 women participated (99.50% response rate). The magnitude of postpartum urinary incontinence was 28.00% (95% CI: 24.15%, 32.77%). Thus, parity two or more (AOR = 11.23; 95% CI: 7.32, 15.23), body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.06, 7.44), history of abortion (AOR = 7.61; 95% CI: = 4.43, 12.21), episiotomy (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI: 1.15, 10.85), and constipation (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.14, 9.45) were significantly associated with urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence was common among postpartum women in the study area. Findings may contribute to the need for weight management counseling, prevention and management of constipation, and focused counseling for women with identified obstetric risk factors such as multiparty, episiotomy, and history of abortion for women with obstetric risk factors such as multiparty, episiotomy, and prior abortion during postpartum care. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

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