The epidemiology of pad consumption among community-dwelling incontinent women

The aim of the study was to explore the use of incontinence pads among community-dwelling women in a well-defined area of western Norway (total female population 122,516). In Norway incontinence aids are prescribed by doctors and paid for by the national insurance. Data were collected at local insurance offices and through interviews with an age-stratified (20-89 years) random sample of incontinent women. Identified were 2,991 pad users (1-year period prevalence 2.4%). Prevalence rose sharply with advancing age, reaching a maximum of 30.1% in the 90+ age group. Median number of pads used per day was 1.8. Middle-aged women used fewer and smaller pads than the rest. When compared with the number of pads actually delivered, the incontinent women tended to overestimate their consumption.