The reported prevalence of urinary symptoms in women in one rural general practice

In May 1989 a questionnaire to determine the prevalence of urinary symptoms and vaginal discharge in the community was sent to all women patients born before May 1962 who had been registered with one rural practice for the previous two years. The response rate was 97%. The patients' clinical records were used to validate the replies of those who claimed to have consulted the doctor with these symptoms together with a sample of those who claimed not to have consulted. The reported prevalence of dysuria among the women over the previous two years was 27% and the prevalence of frequency was 34%. However, only 8% of women had received treatment for vaginal infections and 15% treatment for urinary symptoms (10% had confirmed bacteruria). Thirty four per cent of women said they would treat themselves prior to consulting a doctor and 17% would buy proprietary medicines. When asked how long they would wait between the onset of symptoms and seeking medical advice the responses ranged from one to 20 days, with 36% of women reporting that they would wait five days or longer before consulting. Fifty eight per cent of the women patients did not believe that urinary tract infections could have serious consequences and this figure increased to 76% among women who had consulted previously for a urinary tract infection. Patients with recurrent urinary symptoms did not consult any earlier than other women or treat themselves any less often. It can be concluded that there is a need for increased patient education in this area.