Unreported urinary incontinence: population-based prevalence and factors associated with non-reporting of symptoms in community-dwelling people ≥ 50 years

Key summary points Aim To ascertain the prevalence of unreported urinary incontinence (UI) in a large sample of older adults, to profile factors associated with under-reporting of UI and the association of unreported UI with self-rated quality of life. Findings Almost 40% of older people with UI had not reported their symptoms to a healthcare professional. On average those who did not report UI had visited their GP 4 times in the prior 12 months. Unreported UI was independently associated with poorer quality of life. Message This study highlights the importance of asking specifically about symptoms of UI as part of comprehensive assessment of the older adult in and emphasises the need for increased education and awareness for older people around the importance of seeking help and reporting UI.