Nicklas Pettersson

Urinary incontinence in women is not exclusively a medical problem : a population-based study on urinary incontinence and general living conditions

Objective. The aim of the study was to analyse differences in general health and general living conditions between women with and without urinary incontinence (UI). Material and methods. This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Örebro County, Sweden. A public health questionnaire, “Life and Health”, was sent to a randomly selected sample of the population. The questionnaire consisted of 87 questions on broad aspects of general and psychiatric health. An additional questionnaire was enclosed for those respondents who reported experiencing UI. The data were analysed using binary logistic regression. The final study population constituted 4609 women, 1332 of whom had completed both questionnaires. The remaining 3277 had completed only the Life and Health questionnaire. Effect measures were odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Statistically significant associations were found between UI and the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.20–1.76), fatigue and sleeping disorders (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.30–1.95), feelings of humiliation (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12–1.50), financial problems (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.66), and reluctance to seek medical care (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.21–1.68). Conclusion. UI among women is commonly associated with a number of different psychosocial problems as well as an expressed feeling of vulnerability.

Urinary incontinence : why refraining from treatment? A population based study

Objective To investigate why persons with urinary incontinence (UI) refrain from seeking care and treatment. Material and methods A population-based study was undertaken in which a public health survey and a specific UI questionnaire were sent to 15 360 randomly selected residents (age 18–79 years) of Örebro County, Sweden. For all persons reporting UI, the expressed wish for treatment or no treatment was analyzed in relation to relevant variables from both inquiry forms using binary logistic regression analysis. Results The response rate was 64.5%. UI was reported by 2194 persons, 1724 of whom comprised the study population. A statistically significant association was found between the degree of UI and a desire for treatment. Persons who did not experience daily leakage and those who did not perceive the leakage as troublesome or having an affect on their daily life mostly stated that they did not desire treatment. Socioeconomic or other health-related factors were not associated with desiring or not desiring treatment for UI. Conclusions Our results show that it is the perceived severity of UI that determines whether afflicted persons desire treatment or not. Other factors, relating to seeking healthcare in general, were not found to be of importance. Interventions to identify those in need of treatment for UI should primarily be directed towards those with severe symptoms.