Sex differences and fecal incontinence among Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Several differences in sex and clinical features among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have been reported. Fecal incontinence (FI) is closely associated with quality of life; however, the evidence regarding sex differences and FI in patients with UC is limited and inconsistent. Aims This study aims to examine the relationship between sex, delivery history, and FI in Japanese patients with UC. Methods A total of 288 Japanese UC patients participated in this study. FI was defined based on self-reported incontinence frequency. Information on sex, delivery history, smoking status, and alcohol intake status was collected through a self-reported questionnaire. Medication, disease activity, and body mass index (BMI) information was collected from medical records. Results The female-to-male ratio and FI prevalence were 48.0% and 13.9%, respectively. FI was significantly more prevalent in female patients (21.5%) compared to male patients (8.4%). Female sex was significantly and positively associated with FI (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.99 [95% CI 1.51–6.16]). Drinking status, smoking status, and BMI were not associated with FI. In female UC patients, the percentages for no history of delivery, one delivery, and two or more deliveries were 33.1%, 13.2%, and 53.7%, respectively. However, history of delivery was not significantly associated with FI. Conclusions In Japanese patients with UC, female sex was independently and inversely associated with FI. Furthermore, in female patients, history of delivery was not significantly associated with FI.