Promotion of continence care in low resource settings: a needs assessment from 17 countries

Abstract

Background and Objective

Continence care remains a neglected area of health services in low-resource settings. This needs assessment aimed at exploring the organizational landscape, available support, and priority areas for strengthening continence care across 17 countries, with particular attention to awareness of and engagement with the International Continence Society (ICS).

Methods

A structured online survey was distributed to healthcare professionals involved in continence care. The questionnaire covered organizational affiliations, professional and patient support, educational needs, and preferred resources. Responses were analyzed descriptively.

Key Findings and Limitations

Twenty-two professionals, mainly urologists and urogynecologists from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Egypt, UAE, The Gambia, Lebanon, Tanzania, Ghana, Pakistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, India, Turkey, and Iran, completed the survey. Many were affiliated with professional continence or urology/urogynecology organizations, indicating potential networks for collaboration. Support for healthcare providers and patients varied widely. Respondents emphasized the need for workshops, short courses, fellowships, and ICS lectures at regional conferences, along with translated patient information, online learning platforms, and affordable continence care materials. A strong interest in further engagement with the ICS was reported. Study limitations include the small sample size, potential self-selection bias, and a survey framed largely around ICS activities, which may have influenced responses.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications

This survey highlights unmet educational and resource needs in continence care across low-resource countries. Targeted interventions—such as professional training, accessible patient information, and low-cost materials—are required to strengthen services and improve quality of life for individuals with incontinence. Broader studies are needed to guide sustainable global initiatives.