Urinary incontinence in women under 65: Quality of life, stress related to incontinence and patterns of seeking health care

Objective: We sought to describe quality of life, psychological stress and patterns of seeking health care (PSHC) among young and middle-aged women experiencing urinary stress incontinence (USI). Reasons and variables associated with delay in seeking care were also investigated. Methods: A sample of 131 patients, aged 22-65, filled out a questionnaire consisted of: SF-36, stress related to incontinence, patterns of seeking health care questionnaires and a 10 cm visual analogue scale ( VAS) measuring perceived suffering from USI ( 0 indicating absence of suffering while 10 indicating most severe suffering). Results: Scores on eight domains of SF-36 were lower, compared to 405 Israeli healthy women (p < 0.001). Forty-one percent reported impairment in performing work and other activities. Mean scores on the VAS was 5.04 (SD: 2.59), 30% marked 7 cm and higher and 12.6% reported most severe suffering due to USI ( scored 10 cm). Psychological stress related to incontinence was higher among the younger women and those with severe impairment to sexual activity. The majority of the sample (74%) delayed seeking help for at least a year, 46% delayed it for 3 years. Common reasons for delay were lack of time (36.3%), shame (15.7%) and fear of surgery (14.7%). Age, psychological stress, perceived suffering and social functioning ( SF) were associated with patterns of seeking care. Conclusions: USI causes suffering and impaired quality of life among young women. Reluctance to seek help highlights the need to promote women's knowledge of treatment options and cure prospects.