Receptiveness to medical treatment for urinary incontinence among hospital nurses

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and the attitudes to treatment among nurses at a tertiary medical centre. We hypothesized that due to their medical knowledge nurses would be particularly receptive to surgical treatment. A self-filled questionnaire was mailed to all nurses employed at our medical centre. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, medical history and questions relating to quality of life and to the degree of inconvenience experienced from urinary incontinence. Nurses were asked about their attitudes towards medical and surgical treatments. Among 77 nurses, median age 40 (24-67), prevalence rates of stress urinary incontinence and urgency incontinence were 31% and 25%, respectively. Overall, 72% were receptive to surgical treatment; those who work in surgical departments were particularly receptive (95% vs. 63% P < 0·009). Knowledge of urinary incontinence and of surgery seems to increase receptiveness to surgical treatment.