Prevalence of urinary and faecal incontinence and nocturnal enuresis and attitudes to treatment and help-seeking amongst a community-based representative sample of adults in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This survey suggests that, relative to UI, the prevalence of FI and NE may be higher than previous UK studies. That the majority of those who had sought help did so from a GP, and that those with no incontinence thought that they would do so if affected, underlines the importance of GP education in the diagnosis and management of incontinence and the need to raise public awareness of other sources of help. That many respondents were unsure of treatment options and yet aware of the impact of incontinence underlines the importance of awareness-raising.