Urinary incontinence in Belgium: a population-based epidemiological survey

To investigate the prevalence, typology, and experience of urinary incontinence, as well as the available therapeutic modalities and information sources among people living at home in Belgium.

A representative population sample of 5,269 adults completed a questionnaire in their own homes. There were 2,499 men and 2,770 women aged 30 years and over.

130 men (5.2%) and 442 women (16.30%) had urinary incontinence at the time of the survey. Of 1,426 women aged over 50 years, 300 (21.0%) had urinary incontinence. 17.4% of the incontinent people experience several episodes daily. In women, incontinence increases with parity. Stress incontinence is by far the most common form of the disease (42%); 53% of incontinent women (9.9% of the female population) experience this kind of disorder. Overall, 95% of stress incontinent people are women. The relative frequency of urge incontinence is similar in both sexes (males 45%; females 55%). Urinary incontinence is considered as bothersome by about 30% of the affected subjects; 7 of 10 subjects with daily incontinence episodes consider the disorder as more or less bothersome. 29.9% of affected people report that they discuss the problem with their general practitioner, 11.4% with a specialist, 25.3% with their spouse or partner, and 17.4% with a family member. Of course, people who consider the disease as bothersome score higher on these items. On the other hand, 32.1% do not reveal the problem. Although 72.5% of incontinent people are aware of protection systems, the main therapeutic modalities are not very well known (drugs 33.9%; surgery 24.7%). Most people with incontinence (70-75%) take no specific measures, 20% use pads, panty liners or nappies, and only 9% look for a curative measure. The preferred information source is the family physician for 50%, the specialist physician for 11%, and the pharmacist for 9%. The role of the mass media is equivalent to that of specialist physicians and pharmacists.

Incontinence has a profound effect on daily life, and is still considered by many as 'taboo'. An appropriate information system, in which the general practitioner plays a key role, is obviously desirable.