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Urinary Incontinence Sub-study of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health
The study researched a sub-sample of the participants in the national longitudinal study of women's health (Women's Health Australia (WHA)) to assess continence issues in 500 women in each of three large age cohorts who had reported leaking urine 'often'. The sub-study provided important information on incontinence in women in Australia, with a number of NCMS projects utilising the information on:
- the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence amongst women from three generations
- possible associated factors (symptoms, conditions and life events)
- health related quality of life differences between women who report incontinence and those who do not
- help seeking behaviour
- types of help sought, resultant treatment and perceptions of satisfaction with help provided, and
- assessment of self-management strategies
The reported urinary incontinence prevalence amongst women aged between 18 and 23 was 13%, 36% for women aged 45 to 50 years, and 35% in women aged 70 to 75 years.
Download a copy of the report:
References
Chiarelli, P., Brown, W. (1999). Leaking Urine In Australian Women: Prevalence And Associated Conditions. Women & Health, 29(1) 1-13.
Chiarelli, P., Brown, W., McElduff, P. (1999). Leaking Urine - Prevalence and Associated Factors in Australian Women. Neurology and Urodynamics 18:567-577.
Miller, Y.D., Brown, W.J., Smith, N., Chiarelli, P. (2003). Managing Urinary Incontinence Across the Lifespan. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine; Vol 10, Issue 2; 143-161.
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Page last updated 23 Dec 2008