[Prevalence estimation of urinary incontinence among non-institutionalized persons aged 60 and over in Japan]

In order to estimate the total number and the prevalence rate of persons experiencing urinary incontinence among the non-instutionalized, aged 60 and over in Japan, a questionnaire survey was conducted in 16 prefectures in December 1991. The questionnaires were distributed and collected by public health nurses in Health Centers. A total of 12,180 questionnaires were administered. There were 11,528 responses (response rate of 94.6%), of which 11,142 were analysed. The main results were follows; 1) Daily urinary incontinence occurred in approximately 4.1% of the men and 5.3% of the women living at home. 2) 6.2% of the men and 8.9% of the women living at home had regular urinary incontinence with at least one episode of leakage per month in the preceding 12 months. 3) The prevalence of urinary incontinence increased with age for both sexes. 4) The 95% confidence interval estimate for the number of non-institutionalized persons over 60 years old suffering from urinary incontinent incidents nearly daily was estimated to be from 305,000 to 351,000 in men and from 554,000 to 675,000 in woman. 5) The 95% confidence interval estimate for the number of non-institutionalized persons over 60 years old with urinary incontinence of at least one episode of leakage per 5 months was from 3,507,000 to 3,889,000 for both sexes. 6) In order to determine age-specific prevalence for urinary incontinence for all age groups, a sampling survey is needed. 7) Research emphasizing the assessment of preventive interventions necessary since incontinence is preventable and medical and surgical treatment options are available.