Urinary incontinence and use of pads--clinical features and need for help in home care at 11 sites in Europe.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to obtain evidenced-based knowledge about older persons in home care; we conducted a population-based study at 11 sites in Europe (2001/2002). This article focuses on urinary incontinence and need for help in home care.


METHODS
A sample of 4010 respondents 65 years or older were assessed by the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care. Urinary incontinence was defined as leakage once a week or more including use of catheters.


RESULTS
A total of 1478 individuals had urinary incontinence, 45% men and 47% women. The use of pads ran from 29% to 52% between the sites. The associates of urinary incontinence were: moderate or severe cognitive impairment, dependency in toileting and other activities of daily living compared with less impaired; urinary infections, obesity and faecal incontinence. Caregivers to persons with urinary incontinence reported burden or stress more often then carers to nonurinary incontinence individuals (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.8-2.7).


CONCLUSIONS
To enable older people with incontinence to stay at home with a better quality of life, they need caring assistance during toileting on a regular basis.
Sørbye
Liv Wergeland
LW
Diakonhjemmet University College, Oslo, Norway. soerbye@diakonhjemmet.no
Finne-Soveri
Harriet
H
Ljunggren
Gunnar
G
Topinkova
Eva
E
Garms-Homolova
Vjenka
V
Jensdóttir
Anne Birna
AB
Bernabei
Roberto
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D016496:Incontinence Pads / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology*