Fecal incontinence: incidence and risk factors from the SABE (Health, Wellbeing and Aging) study

Introduction and hypothesis This study aimed to estimate the incidence of fecal incontinence (FI) and identify risk factors in a cohort of older individuals. Methods In 2006, individuals aged ≥ 60 years were selected from the SABE study. The dependent variable was FI in 2010. FI was assessed using the question: “In the last 12 months, have you ever lost control of bowel movements or stools?” Incidence was measured in units of per 1000 person-years. Multivariate analysis was used to assess risk factors for FI. Results This study was the first to examine the incidence of FI in older Brazilian individuals. In total, 1413 individuals were included; mean age was 74.5 years, and 864 (61.8%) participants were women. FI prevalence rates were 4.7% for men and 7.3% for women. Incidence rate of FI was 16.3 and 22.2 per 1000 person-years for men and women, respectively. The risk of FI was greater among women aged ≥ 75 years, with severe symptoms of depression, cancer (other than skin) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In men, the risk of FI was greater among those with poor literacy (up to 3 years of schooling), an Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) category of 1–4 and those who self-reported “bad/very bad” health status. Conclusions The FI incidence rate was high. The identified risk factors were age ≥ 75 years, with severe symptoms of depression, cancer and COPD (women); having up to 8 years of schooling; IADL category of 1–4 and self-reported health status (men).