Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025

Real-Time Void Spot Assay
Published on: February 10, 2023
URINARY INCONTINENCE - FROM CHILDHOOD ONWARDS
Dragana Živković1,2, Damir Franić3,4, Vladimir Kojović5
1Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Insights
Urinary incontinence (UI) affects millions globally across all ages, with incidence rising in those over 40. This widespread condition significantly impacts daily life and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition affecting individuals across all age groups, with notable incidence peaks in childhood and post-40 years.
- Recognized by the World Health Organization (ICD-10) and ICF, UI presents significant disablement and impacts an estimated 400 million people worldwide.
- The aging global population is projected to increase UI incidence, posing a substantial health and social burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the global prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence.
- To discuss the association of UI with neurological disorders and its effect on patient quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of epidemiological data on urinary incontinence.
- Examination of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and International Classification of Functionality (ICF) regarding UI.
- Assessment of the impact of UI on physical, emotional, social, and sexual well-being.
Main Results:
- UI affects 400 million individuals globally, with increasing prevalence in aging populations.
- The condition is linked to neurological disorders and significantly impairs daily life.
- UI negatively influences patients' physical, financial, social, emotional, and sexual health.
Conclusions:
- Urinary incontinence is a major global health issue with increasing prevalence.
- Effective management strategies are crucial to mitigate the substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems.
- Addressing UI is essential for improving overall patient well-being and quality of life.
Abstract:
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a condition that affects patients of all ages, starting with childhood. There are two peaks in its incidence, i.e., in childhood and another one in patients over 40 years of age, which increases continuously with patient age. It is a condition recognized by the World Health Organization as a set of diseases (International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10), and the International Classification of Functionality recognizes the associated extreme disablement. UI is a major health problem affecting the lives of an estimated 400 million persons worldwide. The global aging of the population will cause rise in the incidence of UI in the future. It is expected that UI itself will become a serious health and social burden for both patients and health service providers. UI can be an isolated problem, or it can be associated and/or aggravated by any associated disorder affecting the nervous system such as myelomeningoceles, Parkinson's disease or stroke. UI often affects the patient daily life, and it can have repercussions on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being. At last, it has a negative influence on their sexual health.
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