Incontinence is a common and distressing condition of later life. Prevalence studies
have reported rates of urinary incontinence from about 3% to
60%, depending on how incontinence is defined and the type
of population studied. There is much less information about the prevalence of faecal
incontinence. However, some studies have found approximately 2%
of the general population and about 60% of the nursing home population
to be incontinent of faeces. Although some studies have examined the impact of urinary
incontinence on health status, the impact of faecal incontinence has not been investigated
previously. Quantification of the prevalence and specific impact on health of common
disorders such as incontinence will help commissioners and providers in the prioritization
of diagnostic and therapeutic services for this distressing condition. With this
in mind, we report the relevant results of the Tipping the Balance Survey, which
quantified the prevalence and impact on self-perceived health, anxiety and depression
of both faecal and urinary incontinence.