Prevalence, 1-year incidence and factors associated with urinary incontinence: a population based study of women 50-74 years of age in primary care.
OBJECTIVE
To study prevalence, incidence, remissions and factors associated with urinary incontinence in women 50-74 years of age.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of prevalence and associated factors and a 1-year prospective study of incidence and remissions. A random sample of 698 women were invited for a gynecological examination in general practice in three municipalities in Northern Norway in 1994-1995. Five hundred and seven (73%) met for the first consultation, 489 of them for the second one. Questionnaires were answered by women and doctors during consultations at inclusion and 1 year later. Prevalence was estimated at three levels of evidence.


RESULTS
Any leakage was reported by 47% and regularly by 31%. For 19%, leakage was objectively demonstrated and claimed to be a social or hygienic problem. Incontinence was associated with high body weight, with poor ability to contract pelvic floor muscles and with previous gynecological operations excluding hysterectomy. Three women (0.6%) developed regular incontinence during the year of investigation. There was no convincing case of spontaneous remission.


CONCLUSIONS
Urinary incontinence is very frequent in women aged 50-74 years and about one in five are potential patients needing treatment. Urinary incontinence is an enduring condition with little tendency for remission without treatment.
Holtedahl
K
K
Department of General Practice, University of Tromsø, Norway. Knut.Holtedahl@ism.uit.no
Hunskaar
S
S
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology*
D015415:Biomarkers