Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Prevalence of female urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life in a cluster population in the United Kingdom (UK): a community survey.

Mallen

Authors



Abstract

AIM: To ascertain the prevalence of urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms, impact on quality of life and help-seeking behaviour. BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is common and will affect more individuals as the population ages. Estimates of the prevalence of urinary incontinence vary hugely. Additional information is required to inform resource allocation. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional postal evaluation of all female patients over 21 years registered at a single medical practice in the United Kingdom. FINDINGS: A total of 40% of respondents suffered urinary incontinence, which caused significant problems in 8.5%. Stress urinary incontinence was the most common type of incontinence while 10% had symptoms of voiding dysfunction. A total of 17% of women had sought professional help. Patients perceived that urinary incontinence was part of the natural ageing process and that there was a low expectation of successful treatment.

Citation

Mallen. (2014). Prevalence of female urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life in a cluster population in the United Kingdom (UK): a community survey. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 377 - 382. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423614000371

Acceptance Date Oct 2, 2014
Publication Date Oct 2, 2014
Journal Primary Health Care Research and Development
Print ISSN 1463-4236
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Pages 377 - 382
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423614000371
Keywords community
female
survey
urinary incontinence
Publisher URL https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/primary-health-care-research-and-development/article/prevalence-of-female-urinary-incontinence-and-its-impact-on-quality-of-life-in-a-cluster-population-in-the-united-kingdom-uk-a-community-survey/4C82A792E8522E6D60