The prevalence of urinary incontinence in community‐dwelling married women: a matter of definition

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of female urinary incontinence (UI) and its impact on quality of life.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a Dutch national postal questionnaire survey, 1460 spouses of 1771 men in the town of Boxmeer, age‐stratified and randomly selected, were asked to participate. The prevalence of UI in the women was assessed in two ways. First, a total score on a short UI‐specific questionnaire differentiated them into three groups, i.e. no symptoms (score 0–2), minimally (3–6) or severely incontinent (7–14). Second, a self‐reported UI prevalence was calculated by asking respondents if they ever had urine loss. To conform to the International Continence Society standard definition, spouses were also asked to complete a general (Short Form‐12) and lower urinary tract disease‐specific quality‐of‐life questionnaire, and were asked about their need to seek help.RESULTS: The questionnaires were returned by 1071 women (mean age 57 years, range 29–79; response rate 73%); 34% were regarded as minimally and 12% as severely incontinent. The self‐reported UI rate was 40%. Disease‐specific and general quality of life was significantly lower for women with UI than for those with minimal or no urine loss; 38% of incontinent respondents had consulted a physician for their UI, and among respondents with minimal complaints this was 28%.CONCLUSIONS: Up to 46% of the married female population had some degree of UI, and severe UI significantly compromised their quality of life.