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Sociodemographic and health indicators of older women with urinary incontinence: 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities

De Gagne JC, So A, Oh J, Park S, Palmer MH

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2013

8,094 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and urinary incontinence (UI) in older women (≥ 65) living in residential care facilities (RCFs).

DESIGN: Cross-sectional, retrospective survey of a population-based sample, the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities (NSRCF).

SETTING: United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the 2010 NSRCF (N = 8,094).

MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic and health indicators associated with UI.

RESULTS: Data from 4,930 women were available for analysis, 44.6% of whom had UI. Statistically significant differences were found between the samples of continent women and incontinent women in marital status (P = .001), educational level (P = .04), and length of stay (P = .03). Significant differences were also found between continent and incontinent women in activity of daily living (ADL) scores (P < .001), overall health status (P < .001), and comorbidities (P < .001). The strongest association was severe impairment in ADLs (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 21.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 16.07-29.01), followed by moderate impairment in ADLs (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 2.61-4.44).

CONCLUSION: UI is highly prevalent in older women residing in RCFs and is associated with severe impairment in ADLs. A comprehensive assessment including physical function status or early detection in physically functional impairment in RCFs is suggested to prevent or delay onset of or improve existing UI.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 8,094 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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