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Open Access 01-04-2022 | Stress Incontinence | Original Article

The burden of incontinence in a real-world data environment—insights from a digital patient companion

Authors: Alexandra von Au, Stephanie Wallwiener, Lina Maria Matthies, Benjamin Friedrich, Sabine Keim, Markus Wallwiener, Christl Reisenauer, Sarah Brugger

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Urinary incontinence (UI) has a potentially devastating effect on women’s quality of life (QoL). Conservative treatment by means of pelvic floor muscle training is the first-choice treatment modality. Nowadays, this can be supported by digital apps like pelvina©—a digital health companion pelvic floor course.

Methods

Using pelvina©, UI symptoms and QoL are regularly examined through the questionnaires QUID and SF-6D. Subsequently, we analyzed the incidence and degree of UI and its impact on QoL in 293 users in a real-world environment.

Results

The 293 patients included in this study had a median age of 36 years and a median of two children. Patients were slightly to moderately affected by UI with a QUID of 6 (2–11, maximum 24). Age and number of children were independently associated with the incidence of UI with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.06 (95% CI 1.01–1.12) and aOR of 1.86 (95% CI 1.12–3.08). The severity of UI strongly correlated with impairment of QoL (ρ = 0.866, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The use of real-world data generated by digital health solutions offers the opportunity to gain insight into the reality of patients’ lives. In this article, we corroborate the known associations between number of children and UI as well as the great influence UI has on QoL. This study shows that, in the future, the use of digital apps can make an important contribution to scientific data acquisition and, for example, therapy monitoring.

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Title: The burden of incontinence in a real-world data environment—insights from a digital patient companion
Authors: Alexandra von Au
Stephanie Wallwiener
Lina Maria Matthies
Benjamin Friedrich
Sabine Keim
Markus Wallwiener
Christl Reisenauer
Sarah Brugger
Publication date: 01-04-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Stress Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04683-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The burden of incontinence in a real-world data environment—insights from a digital patient companion

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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