P13
I. Koenig1, C. Moetteli1, H. Luginbuehl1, L. Radlinger1, A. Kuhn1, J. Taeymans1 (1Bern)
The mean prevalence of stress urinary incontinence is 35%. Two thirds of women suffering from SUI reported a negative impact on quality of life. SUI implies a substantial economic burden on the health care and social services of many European countries. Direct medical and direct non-medical costs of SUI amounted over one billion Euro in Germany (2011) while another billion Euro was spent for SUI-related care in nursing homes. As the economic burden of SUI in Switzerland is, as yet, not well reported, the aim of this study was to estimate the health status and the health costs of women with SUI.
Thirty-seven participants volunteered in this COI study. Two participants had 10 comorbidities. The most commonly reported problem was back pain (48%), 51% of the participant consulted a medical doctor. The prevalence of drug consumption was 70%. Furthermore, 11% reported to be less efficient while working and 30% less physical active. SUI-related mental stress was mentioned by 59.5%. The average health costs (16-weeks) were CHF 2256.-, the average direct medical costs CHF 1641.-.
The high economic burden of SUI requires cost-effective clinical treatments. Physiotherapy is recommended by the International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) as first-line therapy in the treatment of all forms of female urinary incontinence since its effectiveness could be shown. Consequently, physiotherapy could contribute to a reduction in the cost of health care.