Urinary incontinence in women from 35 to 79 years of age: prevalence and consequences

Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence in young and middle-aged women

“…The present distribution (45%, 6% and 49%, respectively) was similar to that reported elsewhere [23]. From many previous studies very few women report frequent UI (5.7±12.5%) [11,13,23,38,39]; the present rate was 8.1%.…”

A model for explaining differences in incontinence care seeking (MEDICS) project.

“…[Holst 1985] Other studies have found a negative correlation between age and care seeking for incontinence. Rekers found that advancing age was inversely related to consultation with a physician for women aged 35 -49, 50 -64, and 65 -79 who sought care 34, 25, and 24% of the time [Rekers 1992]. After controlling for confounders, Burgio found that older individuals were less likely to inform their physician of their problem.…”

“…Symptom severity is positively correlated with care seeking for incontinence. [Roberts 1998, Jacobsen 1995, Burgio 1991& 1994, Holst 1988, Roe 1999, Sandvik 1993, Lagace 1993, Rekers 1992 Roberts found that moderate to severe incontinence was associated with having seen a physician for urinary symptoms in the previous year for men (OR 10.5,95%C1 5.6,19.8) and women (OR 3.8, 95%CI 2.1,6.7).…”

“…Epidemiologic studies have identified age as a predictor of care seeking for incontinence. [Jacobsen 1993& 1995, Burgio 1994, Rekers 1992, Brocklehurst 1993, Holst 1988, Norton 1998, and Malmsten 1997 Jacobsen found that the proportion of men seeking medical attention for urinary symptoms increased dramatically with age in a linear fushion. After controlling for all potential confounders, age greater than 70 was associated with care seeking for urinary symptoms (OR 4.6, 95%CI 2.1,10.1).…”

“…These individuals may benefit from diagnosis and treatment earlier in the disease process, preventing higher levels of morbidity, and loss of quality of life. [Rekers 1992, Reymert 1994 and embarrassment over discussing symptoms with physicians [Reymert 1994, Norton 1998, Goldstein 1992, Rizk 1997.…”