Prevalence, Socioeconomic, and Environmental Costs of Urinary Incontinence in the European Union

Abstract

Background and objective

Up to 40% of the population suffers from urinary incontinence (UI). UI can be managed through qualified early assessment, possibly reducing associated health care costs. However, limited studies have estimated the economic burden of UI in the European Union (EU). This study estimates the economic burden of UI on individuals, carers, health systems, long-term care, and society in the EU.

Methods

Prevalence data were extracted or estimated to inform the epidemiological burden of UI in the EU. The economic burden of UI in 27 EU member states was then estimated, which included direct and indirect productivity losses and incontinence pad disposal costs. The 2023 results were presented, and projections for 2030 were estimated for future costs if no preventative action is taken. All costs were expressed in euros (EUR€).

Key findings and limitations

In 2023, the EU economic burden of UI was EUR€69.1 billion (EUR€26.1–133.4 billion) without caregiver costs, with females bearing quadruple the burden compared with males. On average, per-patient annual costs were EUR€1,470.6. Caregiver costs increased EU economic burden to EUR€80.0 billion (EUR€32.5–150.6 billion) with per-patient per-year costs increasing to EUR€1,700.0. In 2030, the economic burden could rise to EUR€100.2 billion (EUR€40.8–188.6 billion). Shifting to 100% incontinence pad waste recycling could reduce the overall carbon footprint of continence health in Europe by 117.8 million kg CO2e in 2023.

Conclusions and clinical implications

A high UI economic burden emphasises the economic and environmental benefits of prevention. The results highlight the need for recognising the high economic burden in women, improved prevalence data surveillance driving effective prevention strategies, and formally recognising secondary caregivers in the UI treatment pathway.