Prevalence, 1-year incidence and factors associated with urinary incontinence: a population based study of women 50-74 years of age in primary care

Objectives: To study prevalence, incidence, remissions and factors associated with urinary incontinence in women 50-74 years of age. Methods: Cross-sectional study of prevalence and associated factors and a 1-year prospective study of incidence and remissions. A random sample of 698 women were invited for a gynecological examination in general practice in three municipalities in Northern Norway in 1994-1995. Five hundred and seven (73%) met for the first consultation, 489 of them for the second one. Questionnaires were answered by women and doctors during consultations at inclusion and 1 year later. Prevalence was estimated at three levels of evidence. Results: Any leakage was reported by 47% and regularly by 31%. For 19%, leakage was objectively demonstrated and claimed to be a social or hygienic problem. Incontinence was associated with high body weight, with poor ability to contract pelvic floor muscles and with previous gynecological operations excluding hysterectomy. Three women (0.6%) developed regular incontinence during the year of investigation. There was no convincing case of spontaneous remission. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is very frequent in women aged 50-74 years and about one in five are potential patients needing treatment. Urinary incontinence is an enduring condition with little tendency for remission without treatment. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.