A new report from Deloitte has highlighted the massive cost of incontinence on the health of Australians as well as the overall economy, and the opportunity ahead to support more people by normalising conversations on the issue.
Compared to last year, where the direct cost of incontinence was already at $66.6 billion, this year the cost has increased to $100.4 billion, according to Deloitte.
There is an estimated 4.8 million women and 2.4 million men living with some form of urinary and/or faecal incontinence in Australia.
“Incontinence is costing Australia a staggering amount of money annually in financial and wellbeing terms,” said Dr Gian Sberna, CEO, Continence Foundation of Australia.
“The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support, increased awareness, and better treatment options for the millions of Australians affected by this condition”.
The report, from Deloitte Access Economics, was commissioned for the Continence Foundation of Australia.
There was an additional $33.8 billion cost in lost wellbeing for those living with the condition. Wellbeing costs include days off work, unemployment due to the condition and seeking extra care and support.
Why is the cost increasing?
The Continence Foundation of Australia says there are a handful of contributing factors as to why there’s been such a significant increase in the cost of incontinence to Australia’s economy.
“In the first instance, we have an ageing population so there are certain realities of an older cohort that make them more susceptible to incontinence, but interestingly, there seems to be a significant number of people who are coming forward for diagnosis and treatment that are younger,” said Sberna
“Our own research and feedback from practitioners indicate that the stigma around incontinence is decreasing and that supportive friends and family are playing a huge role in people seeking treatment, with open and honest dialogue about their health concerns and conditions.”
Normalise talking about incontinence
Despite its prevalence, incontinence remains under-recognised and under-reported.
By 2032, the number of Australians living with some degree of incontinence will rise to 8.6 million, representing 34.1 per cent of the population.
The report also highlights that 71 per cent of people living with incontinence are aged 65 and younger, and the condition is especially common among residents of aged care facilities, where 70.9 per cent experience urinary and/or faecal incontinence.
Those living with incontinence in rural and regional areas have reported concern in the accessibility of services. This data highlights gaps in referral pathways as well as challenges with coordinating care in healthcare settings. Additionally, there were concerns about a lack of capability in the general health and aged care workforce.
“Our own consumer survey in 2023 backs up the absence of routine data collection with a third of the respondents who hadn’t discussed the issue with a health professional saying they could be encouraged to do so if the professional raised it or if relevant information was displayed,” said Dr Sberna.
“Despite many people avoiding conversations about incontinence, they just need to be encouraged to talk about it to ensure positive outcomes.”
“With the right support, we can improve the lives of millions of Australians and reduce the enormous economic and social costs associated with incontinence.”
The Continence Foundation of Australia is calling on healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public to prioritise incontinence as a significant health issue.