Urinary incontinence in Canada. National survey of family physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

OBJECTIVE To determine current knowledge, attitudes, and management of urinary incontinence among family physicians in Canada.

DESIGN Cross-sectional mailed survey.

SETTING Family physicians in Canada.

PARTICIPANTS A random sample of 1500 members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-assessed knowledge, self-reported attitudes, and rating of various tests and treatments in the investigation and management of incontinence.

RESULTS The overall unadjusted response rate was 43.3% (650/1500). Although most respondents reported that urinary incontinence was common in their practices, less than half (46.0%, 284/617) indicated that they clearly understood incontinence and just 37.9% (232/612) had an organized plan for incontinence problems. Only 35.0% (214/612) of respondents felt very comfortable dealing with incontinence. Physical examination, urodynamic studies, urinalysis, and testing blood sugar levels were all considered important investigations by more than 90% of respondents.

CONCLUSION There are wide variations in knowledge, attitudes, practices, and comfort level among family physicians dealing with urinary incontinence.