Prevalence of fecal incontinence in the urban population of Pouso Alegre - Minas Gerais - Brazil

The objectives of this study were to analyze the fecal incontinence (FI) in adults living in Pouso Alegre (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and the associated demographic and clinical variables. This epidemiological study developed sing stratified sampling by conglomerates. The final sample consisted of 519 individuals, of age >= 18 years, with adequate mental and physical conditions, living in 341 homes, which were randomly selected. Prevalence rates were standardized by gender and age, and revealed 7.0% of FI, overall and for men and women. In the final model of logistical regression, the number of children (OR=5.1; p < 0.001), hemorrhoids (OR=4.4; p < 0.001) and cystocele (OR=3.0; p < 0.001) were statistically correlated to FI. This study identified the epidemiology of fecal incontinence in a small town in Brazil and may contribute to establish public policies and programs for primary and secondary prevention and treatment of FI, starting at the local level.