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Study objective-The aim was to validate a simple severity index of female urinary incontinence for subsequent use in an epidemiological survey. Design-The index was created by multiplying the reported frequency (four levels) by the amount of leakage (two levels). The resulting index value (1-8) was further categorised into slight (1-2), moderate (3-4), and severe (6)(7)(8) There was a strong correlation between severity and impact (R=0.59, p<0-001). Conclusion-The severity index may be a useful tool for assessing the severity of female urinary incontinence in epidemiological surveys. It is confirmed that urinary incontinence is very prevalent in adult women, but most should not be regarded as potential patients. 7 Epidemziol Community Health 1993; 47: 497-499 Several epidemiological surveys of female urinary incontinence have been conducted over the years. 8Not all of these studies cover the complete adult age span, but many authors report a prevalence peak in middle life, followed by a decline, and then a subsequent rise in old age.