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released: 12 Dec 2012 author: AIHW media release

This bulletin reports on the 316,500 people who experienced severe incontinence in 2009, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. There were 144,400 people aged 10 and over living in households who always needed help or supervision with their bladder or bowel control. It also presents information on prevalence rates and how much was spent on incontinence (excluding residential aged care costs) in 2008–09.

ISBN 978-1-74249-385-5; Cat. no. AUS 167; 36pp.; $20

printed copy

Publication

Publication table of contents

  • Summary
  • Contents
  • Introduction
  • Definition and measurement of incontinence
    • Definitions of incontinence
    • Types of incontinence
    • Measurement of severity
  • Prevalence rates and risk factors from the literature
    • Large variation in prevalence estimates
    • International prevalence estimates
    • Australian prevalence estimates
    • Other risk factors associated with incontinence
  • Experience of incontinence
    • Population with 'severe' incontinence
    • Assistance and the use of continence aids
    • Associated health conditions
    • Participation
    • Carers
  • Health care expenditure for incontinence
    • An estimate of incontinence expenditure
    • Hospital expenditure
    • Medical and other health system expenditures
    • Continence aids
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
  • Verso page

Recommended citation

AIHW 2012. Incontinence in Australia: prevalence, experience and cost. AIHW bulletin no. 112. Cat. no. AUS 167. Canberra: AIHW.