Urinary incontinence: prevalence and knowledge among community-dwelling Korean women aged 55 and over.
OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among community-dwelling older women in Korea is not well known. This study examined the prevalence of UI and UI-related knowledge among community-dwelling Korean women aged 55 and over.


METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was conducted. Data were collected from 276 women aged 55 and over in a metropolitan city using a structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
Of 276 respondents, 28.3% (n = 78) reported experiencing UI. More than 50% of respondents incorrectly agreed with the statement that UI is the result of normal aging, with only 20.9% realizing that there is an exercise that can control urine leaks when one coughs, sneezes, or laughs. Older women who had sought treatment had higher mean score for UI-related knowledge.


CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed substantial misconception about UI among community dwelling older women, demonstrating that comprehensive educational programs need to be developed to increase knowledge of UI.
Kim
Jin-Sun
JS
Department of Nursing, Chosun University, 375 Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-759, Korea. jinsun@chosun.ac.kr
Lee
Eun-Hyun
EH
Park
Hyung-Cheol
HC
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014930:Women / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology