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Urinary incontinence--prevalence, impact on daily living and desire for treatment: a population-based study.
- Source :
-
Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology [Scand J Urol Nephrol] 2004; Vol. 38 (2), pp. 125-30. - Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- 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.<br />Material and 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.<br />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.<br />Conclusion: 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.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Age Distribution
Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Sex Distribution
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sweden epidemiology
Urinary Incontinence psychology
Urinary Incontinence, Stress epidemiology
Urinary Incontinence, Stress therapy
Activities of Daily Living
Urinary Incontinence epidemiology
Urinary Incontinence therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0036-5599
- Volume :
- 38
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 15204395
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00365590310022608