S Indrekvam1, H Sandvik, S Hunskaar. 1. Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway. Solfrid.Indrekvam@isf.uib.no
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of home-managed electrical stimulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on all 3198 women treated with home-managed electrical stimulation in Norway during 1992-1994. Data were collected from both patients and physicians by questionnaires before and after treatment. RESULTS: 29% of the women were cured or much improved according to their own assessment; altogether 61% were improved. According to the physicians' assessment, 33% were cured or much improved; a total of 55% was improved. Thirty-seven per cent of compliers and 12% of non-compliers regarded themselves as cured or much improved. The number of incontinence episodes, amount of leakage and use of pads decreased significantly; and 44% had less severe incontinence than before treatment according to a validated severity index. CONCLUSIONS: Women treated with electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence experienced a significant reduction in incontinence problems, both subjectively and semi-objectively. The treatment results seem to be strongly dependent on good acceptance of the treatment.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of home-managed electrical stimulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on all 3198 women treated with home-managed electrical stimulation in Norway during 1992-1994. Data were collected from both patients and physicians by questionnaires before and after treatment. RESULTS: 29% of the women were cured or much improved according to their own assessment; altogether 61% were improved. According to the physicians' assessment, 33% were cured or much improved; a total of 55% was improved. Thirty-seven per cent of compliers and 12% of non-compliers regarded themselves as cured or much improved. The number of incontinence episodes, amount of leakage and use of pads decreased significantly; and 44% had less severe incontinence than before treatment according to a validated severity index. CONCLUSIONS:Women treated with electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence experienced a significant reduction in incontinence problems, both subjectively and semi-objectively. The treatment results seem to be strongly dependent on good acceptance of the treatment.