The impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life in a real-world population of women aged 45-60 years: results from a survey in France, Germany, the UK and the USA

Objective: To develop a clear understanding of the relationship between severity of urinary incontinence (UI) and quality of life (QoL) and mental well-being in a population of women of working age with the requisite demands of a busy, active life. Subjects and Methods: A survey of women with UI, aged between 45 and 60 years, was conducted via the internet in the UK, France, Germany and the USA between September 1 and 30, 2013. Validated outcome measures were used to assess symptoms and the impact of UI on activities of daily life, QoL, and mental well-being: The International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire Short Form; (ICIQ-UI Short Form) The ICIQ-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life; (ICIQ-LUTSqol) The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; (WEMWBS) The relationships between UI, QoL and mental well-being were analysed using analyses of variance and regression. Results The survey was completed by a total of 1203 women with UI with an average age of 52.7 years. Based upon responses to the ICIQ-UI Short Form regarding the amount of urine that leaks, respondents were categorized as having light (n=1023, 87%), medium (n=134, 11%), or severe UI (n=20, 2%). Mean scores on the ICIQ-UI Short Form increased with severity (light UI 7.9 ± 3.4, medium UI 13.8 ± 2.9, and severe UI 18.3 ± 3.9), as did the impact on QoL, assessed using the ICIQ-LUTSqol, (light 30.6 ± 7.3, medium 41.0 ± 11.2, and severe 56.9 ± 17.6). Mental well-being decreased with severity of UI, mean scores on the WEMWBS were: light 48.3 ± 10.1, medium 44.5 ± 9.5, and severe 39.9 ± 16.2. Conclusion: In women with urinary incontinence aged 45-60 years, UI symptoms directly affect QoL, which subsequently impacts negatively on mental well-being