[Prevalence of urinary incontinence and linked factors in men and women over 65].
OBJECTIVE
To calculate the prevalence of urinary incontinence and to identify linked factors in a population of elderly people living in their homes.


METHODS
Population survey.


METHODS
Leganés (Madrid).


METHODS
Representative sample of people over 65 registered in Leganés (n=1560). Two interviews at home were conducted. The second interview included a medical examination. The reply rate was 75% (n=1150).


METHODS
Frequency of involuntary losses of urine and use of medication and absorbents, health status, use of diuretics and oxybutinin, and demographic and social variables.


RESULTS
The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 14% (95% CI, 11%-17%) in men and 30% (95% CI, 26%-34%) in women. Advanced age was associated with greater prevalence in men but not in women. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with urinary incontinence were comorbidity and cognitive deficit. In addition, in women, high Body Mass Index and seriously limited movement were added factors. 20% of women and 5% of men over 65 used absorbents. The use of diuretics and the low number of patients receiving specific treatment for urinary incontinence suggested that there was low detection of this problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Urinary incontinence is common and could be better detected and treated in primary care. Prevention of urinary incontinence in women should begin before old age.
Tecnicas Avanzadas de Investigacion en Sevicios de Salud, Madrid, España. vzunzunegui@taiss.com
M V
MV
Zunzunegui Pastor
A
A
Rodríguez-Laso
M J
MJ
García de Yébenes
M D
MD
Aguilar Conesa
P
P
Lázaro y de Mercado
A
A
Otero Puime
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*