To evaluate urinary incontinence in female athletes & its association with disordered eating in elite female athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between urinary incontinence and disordered eating, in elite female athletes. A cross-sectional study was done including 100 young and healthy women: 50 elite athletes aged 24.54 ± 3.05 years and 50 non-athletes aged 20.84 ± 2.02 years. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short Form was used to screen urinary incontinence. The Eating Attitude Test-26 Questionnaire was used to screen disordered eating. Data was analyzed using Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to estimate the association between UI and disordered eating. Statistical analysis revealed that Prevalence of urinary incontinence in elite athletes and non- athletes was 29.6% and 14.4%; P < 0.001 respectively. Prevalence of eating disorder in elite athletes and non- athletes was 13.5% and 4.6%; P < 0.001 respectively. Urinary incontinence was associated with disordered eating only in the athletes. After adjustment for age, type of sport, Sports practice frequency (hours/week), athletes with disordered eating presented increased odds of urinary incontinence of any type over non-athletes (OR = 9.23; 95% CI: 0.93-90.8). The study concludes that athletes with disordered eating were three times more likely to present urinary incontinence than women without disordered eating.