Bharucha AE et al. (2005) Prevalence and burden of fecal incontinence: a population-based study in women. Gastroenterology 129: 42–49

Studies have suggested that fecal incontinence is more prevalent in the general population than previously thought. Many published studies have been limited to samples of older individuals. Bharucha and colleagues recently used the Fecal Incontinence and Constipation Questionnaire to evaluate the prevalence and severity of fecal incontinence, and its impact on quality of life, in a population of women.

The questionnaire was completed by 2,800 women from Olmsted County (MN, USA); it requested specific information regarding fecal incontinence, but excluded leakage during flatus or diarrheal illness. Women who had experienced fecal incontinence during the past 12 months were then asked additional questions regarding its impact on their quality of life.

The results indicated an age-adjusted occurrence of fecal incontinence of 12.1%, with prevalence increasing with older age; however, severity did not increase with older age. Moderate to severe fecal incontinence was recorded for almost 1 in 15 women. In 23% of the sampled women, one or more quality-of-life domains were reported as being moderately or severely impacted by fecal incontinence, with the impact being related to the severity of symptoms experienced. With regards to health-seeking behavior, only 10% of the women suffering from fecal incontinence had consulted a physician for this condition in the previous 12 months.

The authors conclude that fecal incontinence is common in this sample population, and in those with moderate or severe symptoms there is a significant impact on quality of life. In addition, the need for further studies of the risk factors for and mechanisms of fecal incontinence is highlighted.