Urinary incontinence--prevalence, impact on daily living and desire for treatment: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence in a representative population in Sweden, and to assess to what extent the condition affects daily life and to what degree those afflicted desire treatment.


METHODS
In a population-based study, a postal questionnaire comprising 12 questions on urinary incontinence was sent to a representative sample of 15 360 randomly selected residents (aged 18-79 years) of Orebro County, Sweden. This was a supplement to a comprehensive survey of public health and general living conditions.


RESULTS
The response rate was 64.5%. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 19% when defined as "any leakage" and 7% when defined as "at least once a week". Women were more afflicted than men, and the proportion of people with urinary incontinence increased markedly with increasing age. Most considered their problems to be minor, having little impact on daily life, which was reflected by the fact that only 18% of those with urinary incontinence desired treatment. About 17% of those with urinary incontinence reported severe problems that interfered with daily life. Of respondents with severe problems, 42% did not want treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
According to this population-based study, urinary incontinence is not a major problem for most people in the community. Although a considerable proportion of the population report urinary incontinence, the majority experience minor problems and only 18% desire treatment. For a limited group of people, urinary incontinence is a severe problem. It is important that healthcare resources are optimized to identify and meet the needs of those who are most afflicted.
Andersson
Gunnel
G
Department of Clinical Medicine and Section of Urology, Orebro University Hospital, Sweden.
Johansson
Jan-Erik
JE
Garpenholt
Orjan
O
Nilsson
Kerstin
K
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy