Brand-new research into attitudes to incontinence was presented at the forum, and it indicated that only 60% of people with the ailment were comfortable discussing their problem with their partner. Similarly, just 30% of sufferers were happy to discuss the issue with members of their close family.

The research indicated that many people found incontinence to be as embarrassing to talk about as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. In addition to this, the research also showed a marked gender gap in attitudes to incontinence with men feeling more comfortable than women in talking to their doctor or partner about their condition. Women’s reluctance to discuss their condition is thought to be because incontinence can affect them at a younger age than men, particularly after childbirth. Because of this, the research showed that women relied on their friends for help and support in dealing with their condition.

Ian Milsom, Chair of the 2nd Global Forum for incontinence, said that attitudes towards incontinence had improved in the last few years, but they still had a long way to go. He said: “I think we have come some way in the past 10-20 years in reducing the social taboo of incontinence. Products are advertised on television and the internet and this obviously helps to normalise this common condition.” He then added, “However, I am afraid we are still some way off treating an issue that will after all affect many of us in some way or another in our lifetime, (it is) as normal a healthcare problem as asthma, raised cholesterol or depression.”

Mr Milsom said that many healthcare professionals do not relieve the stigma surrounding incontinence. He believes that many are often guilty of overestimating their patient's discomfort in talking about the matter, when many of their patients would actually prefer to have a clear and open discussion about their ailment. Despite this, the research found that seven out of 10 GPs felt that incontinence was not discussed enough. They believed that if the issue were discussed more, it would enhance the life of their patient, as well as making the condition much easier to treat.

Finally, Mr Milsom said that attitudes to incontinence would change if people realised that the condition was not as bad as it is often perceived to be. In fact, just 8 out of 10 sufferers rate the impact of incontinence on their life as very little or no affect at all. Mr Milsom said: “While the impact for some is obviously huge, the majority of people are able to live fulfilling lives. This is clearly not how society would see it.'

Source:

Medical News Today

Nursing in Practice