Urinary incontinence in women residing in the southern region of Kyrgyzstan

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence, its clinical and epidemiological features, and the main risk factors among women over 35 years of age residing in the southern regions of the Kyrgyz Republic (Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad regions). The study was conducted in a cross-sectional design using mixed methodology, including quantitative and qualitative methods. The study involved 404 women aged over 35 years (mean age – 41.9 ± 6.6 years). Data collection was carried out using a standardised ICIQ-SF questionnaire, clinical examination, and analysis of obstetric-gynaecological and somatic history. Statistical processing included descriptive statistics methods and assessment of associations using the χ² test; differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. It was established that 55.7% of women residing in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan had four or more births, and 43.6% were found to have overweight or obesity as indicators of metabolic disorders. A high prevalence of urogenital tract infections was noted: cystitis – 35.2%, pyelonephritis – 25.7%, urethritis – 7.8%. Symptoms of urinary incontinence were recorded in 18.9% of the examined women. A statistically significant association was established between chronic exposure to climatic stress and deterioration of urinary and reproductive health indicators (χ² = 66.5; p<0.001). The development of urinary incontinence in women over 35 years of age in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan is associated with high parity, postpartum injuries, overweight, urogenital tract infections, and adverse climatic and geographical conditions. The obtained results indicate the need to develop an algorithm for early detection of this pathology, as well as to introduce regionally adapted prevention programmes and comprehensive monitoring of women over 35 years of age who are at risk