Keeping in mind the lack of awareness about incontinence in India, SCA, a leading global hygiene and forest products company, associated with AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) to create consciousness about this increasing distressing problem amongst the adult / old-age population.
Management of urinary incontinence is often difficult. More importantly most patients and their care givers are often unaware of various issues related to its management and self-care. With 100 million older people India may have a huge burden of urinary incontinence. However, data on this health issue is extremely scant. A report in 2001 indicated that 20% of older people have symptoms related to urinary incontinence.
Renowned geriatric specialist, Dr. Dey of AIIMS, said, “In older patients association of multiple comorbidities is very common, which very often result in issues like incontinence. It is mostly faced by individuals after the age of 60 years. But surprisingly in India, the ratio has been raised in the middle aged group. We at AIIMS are pleased to associate with SCA to provide better service and education to the suffering patients and gain their confidence for a better living.”
Incontinence is a serious medical condition and a healthcare issue which has affected the lives of around 400 million people globally. Even though it is a disease with high prevalence and severe impact, it continues to carry an enormous stigma. Due to an ageing population and a growing number of people with chronic diseases, the incidence of people suffering from incontinence (both urinary and faecal) will increase in the coming years. Recent European and global studies shows that there is a lack of understanding about incontinence and of continence care among the general public, healthcare professionals, policy makers and payer audiences.
In 2013, TNS Infrafest conducted approximately 4,200 interviews of general public including Patients with incontinence and their caregivers in Tamil Nadu, UK, Germany and Sweden to understand the awareness of incontinence among the general population. Across all four countries, 80-90% of the interviewees agreed to the fact that urinary incontinence has a severe impact on daily living and on the perception of oneself. The study also revealed that approximately 50% of the people with involuntary urinary leakages in the UK and Sweden and 33% in Germany stated that they had not seen anyone for a diagnosis. The most important perceived consequences for patients includes embarrassment, odour, depression, loss of dignity and restlessness.
People do not become caregivers overnight as it takes time to adjust and come to terms with a person needing care and supervision. Care giving is done out of special bond with patients and elicits a range of emotions - an act of expressing gratitude towards the patient for bringing them up responsibly with love and care. “My mother, I love her very much. She was the one who cared for us when we were small. Now it is our chance to take care of her”, says a Care giver, Chennai.
Speaking on this issue, Mr Ajay Rangaraj, Managing Director, SCA India said, “Millions of people experience involuntary leakage of urine. There is hardly any awareness about it and no quality products are available in the Indian market to face this issue. We are happy to associate with AIIMS and help creating a raising awareness about urine incontinence in India especially amongst caregivers and helpers.” Commenting further, he said, “SCA offers products like TENA and is also involved in parting information, support and even inspiration to people who are either suffering from incontinence or are the care-givers.”