Urinary incontinence in French women: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality of life

Abstract

Background: The lack of epidemiologic data on the prevalence of female urinary incontinence (UI) attending general practitioners (GPs) in France led us to conduct a cross-sectional study in our country.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of UI and to assess its impact on the quality of life (QoL).

Design, setting, and participants: This cross-sectional study of women aged >18 yr was conducted by attending GPs between June 2007 and July 2007.

Measurements: The main outcome measures were urinary symptoms, functional impairment, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score, and medical care seeking.

Results and limitations: Overall, 241 GPs enrolled 2183 women seen during 1 d. The prevalence of UI was 26.8% (n=584) and increased with age, body mass index (BMI), and number of children delivered (p<0.0001). Among women with UI, 496 were included in a cross-sectional survey: 45.2% (n=224) had stress UI, 42.1% (n=209) had mixed UI, and 10.9% (n=53) had urge UI, while 2% (n=10) had UI of indeterminate type. Overall, 288 of 496 women (51.8%) stated that UI had a negative impact on their QoL; this effect remained mostly mild or moderate, and only 197 of 496 women (39.7%) had asked for medical help. Longer duration of symptoms, higher frequency of comorbid urinary symptoms, and altered QoL were most frequent among women with mixed UI (p<0.001). Misclassification may have occurred because the diagnosis of UI was based on self-reported data rather than on clinical or urodynamic examinations.

Conclusions: UI symptoms were found in almost one in four women attending GPs. Clinical and functional UI impairment were associated with age, BMI, and parity. UI caused distress to women, but only those who were severely affected sought help. The results emphasize the need for policy development for UI prevention and management in France.