Urinary incontinence among a 65-year old Swedish population: medical history and psychosocial consequences.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a disability caused by an impairment, which can lead to a handicap of importance for nursing care. This means that UI is not only a practical-medical concern but also a socio-economic problem. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of UI among 65 year-olds in a Swedish Health Care District and to compare gender differences concerning medical history and psychosocial consequences. In a Primary Health Care District, a questionnaire pertaining to UI was mailed to all women and men 65 years of age (N = 458). A total of 91% (n = 419) was sufficient for data analysis, which was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that 28% (n = 61) of the women and 9% (n = 21) of the men were afflicted with UI. Women reported significantly more urge incontinence (p < .05) as well as stress incontinence (p < .05). Information from the health service about UI had been given to 46% (n = 28) of the women and 33% (n = 7) of the men. The strongest reason reported, both in women (42%, n = 26) and men (40%, n = 8), for not seeking help from the health service was that UI was a normal condition for people of their age. Most of the women had to urinate at least twice per night (42%) compared to once per night (44%) for the men. It is important to establish a UI clinic at every main Primary Health Care Centre which builds on nursing care and whose aim is to inform the general public that UI is a common problem, that it leads to psychosocial consequences, and that the health service can offer active rehabilitation interventions.
Bogren
M A
MA
Kungsbacka Primary Health Care Centre, Sweden.
Hvarfwén
E
E
Fridlund
B
B
D000368:Aged; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000453:epidemiology