The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder among Iranian Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI)  is characterized by any involuntary loss of urine, which can result in significant hygiene, emotional, and social challenges for individuals. This review and meta-analysis aimed to update the current understanding of the prevalence of UI and overactive bladder(OAB)  among Iranian women. We conducted an electronic search of databases included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Biosis from January 1990 to february 2026. We targeted  women aged 15 years and over who are living in Iran and used a set of keywords, including UI, Stress Urinary Incontinence , Urge Urinary Incontinence , Mixed Urinary Incontinence , OAB, epidemiology, prevalence, frequency, women, and Iran. A total of 23 cross-sectional studies were included in the review, with 22 articles, encompassing 27,690 participants. The quality of the studies was assessed using "Methodological guidance for systematic reviews of observational epidemiological studies reporting prevalence and cumulative incidence data from the Joanna Briggs Institute." The I² index was used to estimate quantitative heterogeneity. Since the results showed high heterogeneity, the random-effects model was used. We used Egger's test to evaluate the publication bias of the selected studies. Data analysis was performed using the statistical software of MedCalc. This study estimated the overall prevalence of UI to be 39.98% (95% CI: 30.54-49.82). The most prevalent subtype was SUI, affecting 26.88% (95% CI: 20.00-34.37) of women. OAB  and UUI affected 20.13% (95% CI: 15.70-24.95) and 17.09% (95% CI: 9.38-26.55) of women, respectively. Furthermore, MUI followed, with a prevalence of 14.99% (95% CI: 6.62-25.98). Considering the relatively high prevalence of UI and OAB among Iranian women, further research is needed to explore the underlying factors and to develop effective prevention, management, and treatment strategies in society. A clearer underestanding of the epidmiology of   UI and OAB can support the health policy planning and development of responsive healthcare services.