Anal incontinence in women presenting for gynecologic care: Prevalence, risk factors, and impact upon quality of life

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact upon quality of life of anal incontinence (AT) in women aged 18 to 65. Study design: Consecutive women presenting for general gynecologic care were given a bowel function questionnaire. Women with AT were prompted to complete the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FIST) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL). Results: The cohort was composed of 457 women with a mean age of 39.9 +/- 11 years. AT prevalence was 28.4% (95% CI 24.4-32.8). After logistic regression, IBS (OR 3.22, 1.75-5.93), constipation (OR 2.11, 1.22-3.63), age (OR 1.05, 1.03-1.07), and BMI (OR 1.04, 1.01-1.08) remained significant risk factors. The mean FISI score was 20.4 +/- 12.4. Women with only natal incontinence scored higher, and women with liquid loss scored lower on all 4 scales of the FIQL. Conclusion: AT is prevalent in women seeking benign gynecologic care, and liquid stool incontinence has the greatest impact upon quality of life. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.