OBJECTIVES: Fecal incontinence (FI) is defined as the unintended loss of solid or liquid stool. FI adversely affects the patient's quality of life. However, due to stigma, lack of awareness, and underdiagnosis, there is a notable gap in the knowledge regarding its prevalence. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature reporting on FI prevalence.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using the Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases to identify relevant publications in the English language. Two reviewers independently screened the articles and extracted data. The reference sections and content of the review papers were also evaluated. Thirty-two articles were selected and included. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using RStudio software. To minimize heterogeneity, a sub-analysis was conducted to account for the variation between sample population age groups. The pooled prevalence was extrapolated to the Canadian population and a sample of ten densely populated countries to estimate the number of people affected by FI.

RESULTS: The Mean pooled FI prevalence in men and women was 7% (95% CI: 6-9%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12%), respectively. The sub-analysis mean pooled prevalence of FI in men and women was 8% (95% CI: 6-10%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12% ), respectively. The authors estimate that between 1 and 1.5 million Canadians and 320 to 500 million people in the ten most populous countries suffer from FI.

CONCLUSIONS: Fecal incontinence is a prevalent underdiagnosed condition requiring appropriate and timely treatment to improve a patient's quality of life.