中・高年女性の尿失禁に関する認識の実態

Abstract

背景 中・高年女性の尿失禁は罹患率が高いにも関わらず受診率が低いことが従来より指摘されてきた。その理由のひとつに尿失禁は治るという認識不足ならびに尿失禁という状況に対する羞恥心によるものなどがあげられてきた。しかし、近年、尿失禁の話題が新聞、テレビ、ラジオなどのマス・コミで取り上げられることが多く、専門外来が開設されてきたこともあり、女性の尿失禁への認識が変化してきていることが考えられる。目的 中・高年女性の尿失禁に関する認識の実態を明らかにする。方法 尿失禁の受診に関する質問紙調査を2004年7月～11月にかけて行った。本研究の分析対象者は40歳以上で尿失禁の治療経験のない女性とした。分析は対象者全体と、尿失禁あり群・尿失禁なし群の比較を尿失禁に関する情報の有無と情報源、尿失禁に関する認識(原因、改善方法、医療機関)について行った。結果 尿失禁に関する情報を得たことがある女性は対象者全体の88.8%で、情報源の多くは新聞、テレビ、ラジオといったマス・コミによるものであった。尿失禁に関する知識で高かったのは、加齢が尿失禁の原因となること、尿失禁の治療法としての骨盤底筋体操の効果で、いずれも尿失禁あり群が尿失禁なし群に比べ有意に高かった(p<0.05)。しかし、尿失禁の改善に関する意識は低かった。結論 尿失禁に関する情報を得たことのある女性は多いにも関わらず、尿失禁に関する認識は十分とは言えなかった。今後、女性への医療者からの積極的な情報提供が必要であると考えられた。

Background Despite the fact that there are relatively large number of people suffering from urinary incontinence (UI), only a small percentage of them actually seek medical help. This is partially due to a misperception that UI is curable and also due to the fact that most people with UI are embarrassed or ashamed to talk about it. However, women's perception of UI may be gradually changing. In fact, over recent years, there has been increasing publicity regarding UI in various media (e.g., newspapers, TV and radio). There has also been an increase in the number of outpatient services for patients with UI. Objective The aim of the present study is to understand how UI is perceived by middle-aged and elderly women. Method Between July and November, 2004, a questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the healthcare-seeking behavior of women with UI. Questionnaire was distributed to women aged 40 years or older who had never consulted a doctor about UI. Comparison was made between the overall subjects, subjects with UI and subjects without UI. Topics covered in the analysis include availability of information regarding UI, source of such information and understanding of UI (its cause, treatment and medical institution). Results Eighty-eight point eight percent of all respondents indicated as having obtained information regarding UI from various media, including newspapers, TV and radio. Furthermore, a relatively large number of respondents were aware that old age increases the risk of UI and that exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles are effective treatment for UI. Women with UI had statistically significantly greater knowledge regarding UI compared to women without UI (p<0.05). However, most respondents did not have sufficient knowledge as to how to alleviate the symptoms of UI. Conclusions Although relatively large number of respondents indicated as having accessed the information regarding UI, most of them did not have sufficient knowledge about UI. It is important that medical practitioners take positive steps to promote understanding of UI among middle-aged and elderly women.