Prevalence rate of urinary incontinence in community-dwelling elderly individuals: the Veneto study

A scoping review of risk factors for urinary incontinence in older men

BACKGROUND

Most epidemiological studies have not systematically identified or categorized risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) in older men, despite a higher prevalence than in younger men. Considering the burden of UI, an understanding of risk factors can inform cost-effective prevention/treatment programs. This scoping review aimed to identify and categorise risk factors for UI in older men, identify gaps in the evidence, and opportunities for future research.

METHODS

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) method for scoping reviews guided the conduct and reporting of this review alongside the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. JBI's Population, Concept, and Context approach framed the inclusion criteria (all evidence sources on UI risk factors that included older men [65 +]). We employed JBI's three-step search strategy, which included a limited initial search in Ovid MEDLINE, a detailed comprehensive database search, and a search of reference lists of included studies, Google Scholar and grey literature. There were no restrictions on language, study type, or publication date. Two independent reviewers screened, selected, and extracted eligible studies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-seven articles that met the inclusion criteria identified 98 risk factors across six categories. Behavioural risk factors, reported by only two studies, were the least investigated of all the categories, whereas medical factors/diseases were the most investigated. No genetic factors were documented. The top five risk factors were increasing age/advanced age (n = 12), Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (n = 11), Diabetes Mellitus (n = 11), Detrusor overactivity (n = 10), limitation in physical function/ADL disability (n = 10), increased Body Mass Index (BMI)/overweight/obesity (n = 8), Dementia (n = 8), and Parkinson's disease (n = 7).

CONCLUSION

There is a dearth of evidence to describe the role behavioural risk factors have in UI in older men. These factors may play a role in health promotion and disease prevention in this area.

REGISTRATION

A protocol detailing the methods was developed and published, and is registered in the Open Science Framework [Feb 07 2023; https://osf.io/xsrge/ ].

Prevalence and factors related to urinary incontinence in older adults women worldwide: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background

Urinary incontinence is a common condition in the general population and, in particular, the older adults population, which reduces the quality of life of these people, so this study aims to systematically examine and meta-analyse the overall prevalence of urinary incontinence in older women around the world and the related and influential factors.

Methods

This report is a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the findings of research on urinary incontinence in older adults people across the world through looking for MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Sciencedirect, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest and Persian databases, namely iranmedex, magiran, and SID from January 2000 to April 2020, the heterogeneity of the experiments was measured using the I² index and the data processing was done in the Systematic Meta-Analysis programme.

Results

In 29 studies and the sample size of 518,465 people in the age range of 55–106 years, urinary incontinence in older adults’ women in the world based on a meta-analysis of 37.1% (95% CI: 29.6–45.4%) was obtained. The highest prevalence of urinary incontinence was reported in older adults’ women in Asia with 45.1% (95% CI: 36.9–53.5%). Meta-regression also showed that with increasing the sample size and year of the study, the overall prevalence of urinary incontinence in the older adults women of the world decreased and increased, respectively, which were statistically significant differences (P <  0.05). According to studies, the most important factors influencing the incidence of urinary incontinence in older women are women’s age (p <  0.001), obesity (p <  0.001), diabetes (p <  0.001), women’s education (p <  0.001), delivery rank (p <  0.001), hypertension (p <  0.001), smoking (p <  0.001). They also have urinary tract infections (p <  0.001).

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence of urinary incontinence in older women around the world, health policy makers must consider control and diagnostic measures in older women and prioritize treatment and rehabilitation activities.

Investigation of multimorbidity and prevalent disease combinations in older Irish adults using network analysis and association rules

Multimorbidity (the presence of multiple medical conditions) is well known to increase with age. People with multimorbidities often have higher physical and functional decline as well as increased mortality. Despite growing evidence that integrated and collaborative care improves many undesirable outcomes of multimorbidity, the majority of health systems are based around treating individual diseases. A pattern analysis of comorbidities using network graphs and a novel use of association rules was conducted to investigate disease associations on 6101 Irish adults aged 50+. The complex network of morbidities and differences in the prevalence and interactions of these morbidities by sex was also assessed. Gender specific differences in disease prevalence was found for 22/31 medical conditions included in this study. Females had a more complex network of disease associations than males with strong associations found between arthritis, osteoporosis and thyroid issues among others. To assess the strength of these associations we provide probabilities of being diagnosed with a comorbid condition given the presence of an index morbidity for 639 pairwise combinations. This information can be used to guide clinicians in deciding which comorbidities should be incorporated into comprehensive assessments in addition to anticipating likely future morbidities and thus developing prevention strategies.

Impact of cough and mucus on COPD patients: primary insights from an exploratory study with an Online Patient Community

Background: Qualitative research provides real-life information on patients' condition and facilitates informed design of future clinical studies. Objective: We used Online Communities as a qualitative research tool to evaluate the effect of cough and mucus on COPD patients. Methods: Two 2-week Online Communities were run in parallel in the UK and in the USA, including COPD patients with persistent cough and excessive mucus. Patients anonymously posted their responses to pre-assigned tasks, supervised and guided by a trained moderator. Five themes around the impact of cough and mucus were explored with new questions posted every 2-3 days. On the final day, high-level conclusions were shared with patients for feedback. Data were analyzed following the principles of grounded theory. Results: Twenty COPD patients (UK, n=10; USA, n=10) participated in the Online Communities. We found that cough and mucus disrupted COPD patients' lives at functional, emotional, social and economic levels. Patients created daily rituals and adjusted their lifestyle to cope with the impact of these symptoms. Patients identified themselves with our conclusions and saw the Online Community as an effective forum to share their experiences. Conclusion: Findings of our study add to the body of evidence on the negative impact of COPD symptoms and unmet needs of these patients.

Sex Differences in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Older Korean Adults Living in Rural Areas: Prevalence, Quality of Life, and Associated Factors

Purpose

Urinary incontinence (UI) is associated with nursing home admission, functional decline, and risk of death among community-dwelling older adults. Little information, however, is available on sex differences in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older Korean adults exclusively living in rural areas. This study examined sex-related differences in LUTS, factors associated with UI in older adults living in rural areas, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in incontinent older adults.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study in which face-to-face interviews were conducted at 15 rural community-health centres. A total of 323 older adults aged ≥65 years from rural areas of Korea participated. LUTS prevalence was evaluated and HRQoL was measured using the King’s Health Questionnaire. The chi-square test and t -test were used to examine sex differences in characteristics, LUTS, and HRQoL. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with UI.

Results

Nocturia was the most prevalent symptom, affecting 87% of men and 86% of women. Women (53%) had significantly more UI of any kind than did men (35%) (P=0.007). Urgency UI was the most frequent type of UI in men, whereas stress UI was the most frequent in women. Regarding HRQoL, men had significantly higher scores in the domains of sleep/energy disturbances (P=0.032) than did women, and women reported greater effects from the severity of incontinence (P=0.001) than did men. Arthritis was the only factor associated with UI in men (odds ratio [OR], 6.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46–32.36). However, women with diabetes mellitus were less likely to have UI than those without (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.82).

Conclusions

LUTS were found to be highly prevalent in community-dwelling older Korean adults in rural areas. Interventions to improve sleep and to reduce UI severity are needed for incontinent men and women, respectively.

Urinary incontinence and sleep complaints in community dwelling older adults

Sleep disorder is associated with poor quality of life in old age. Therefore, it is imperative to identify contributing factors leading to sleep disorder. The current study aimed to examine the impact of urinary incontinence on sleep complaint after controlling for potential sociodemographic and health covariates. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 184 community dwelling older adults 60 years and older in Yazd, Iran, 2016. In order to obtain the sample a multistage proportional random sampling technique was employed. Sociodemographic characteristics, sleep complaint, and urinary incontinence were collected from medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the impact of urinary incontinence on sleep complaint after controlling for potential covariates. Findings: A total of 184 respondents with a mean age of 68.48±6.65 years (age range, 60-87 years) were included in the study. About 70% of the respondents were women, 72.8% were married, 68.5% were not formally educated, and 21.7% were living alone. The prevalence of sleep complaint and urinary incontinence were 27.2% (95% CI: 21-34) and 22.3% (95% CI: 17-29), respectively. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed respondents with urinary incontinence were four times more likely to suffer from sleep complaint than those without urinary incontinence after adjusting for potential covariates (AOR=4.04, 95% CI: 1.74-9.35, p<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of this present study, which showed that urinary incontinence independently contributed to sleep complaint among older adults, it is necessary to employ effective interventions for controlling urinary incontinence to reduce sleep complaints.

Orthogeriatric care: improving patient outcomes

Hip fractures are a very serious socio-economic problem in western countries. Since the 1950s, orthogeriatric units have introduced improvements in the care of geriatric patients admitted to hospital because of hip fractures. During this period, these units have reduced mean hospital stays, number of complications, and both in-hospital mortality and mortality over the middle term after hospital discharge, along with improvements in the quality of care and a reduction in costs. Likewise, a recent clinical trial has reported greater functional gains among the affected patients. Studies in this field have identified the prognostic factors present upon admission or manifesting themselves during admission and that increase the risk of patient mortality or disability. In addition, improved care afforded by orthogeriatric units has proved to reduce costs. Nevertheless, a number of management issues remain to be clarified, such as the optimum anesthetic, analgesic, and thromboprophylactic protocols; the type of diagnostic and therapeutic approach best suited to patients with cognitive problems; or the efficiency of the programs used in convalescence units or in home rehabilitation care. Randomized clinical trials are needed to consolidate the evidence in this regard.

Influence of antimuscarinic therapy on cognitive functions and quality of life in geriatric patients treated for overactive bladder

OBJECTIVES

Incidences of overactive bladder (OAB) and cognitive dysfunction increase with aging. Treatment of OAB with antimuscarinic agents may result in cognitive decline, especially in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of antimuscarinic treatment on cognitive functions, depression, and quality of life (QOL) of patients with OAB.

METHODS

This non-interventional prospective observational study was conducted in a geriatric medicine outpatient clinic. Overall, 168 OAB patients were enrolled. Patients were followed up in five groups: oxybutynin, darifenacin, tolterodine, trospium, and control groups. Follow-up visits were done at second, third, and sixth months. Comprehensive geriatric assessment, cognitive and mood assessment, QOL scales (IIQ-7, UDI-6) were performed.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 73.5 ± 6.1. Of the 168 patients, 92.3% were female, 83.3% benefited from the treatment, and 37.1% discontinued the medication. Discontinuation rate and frequency of side effects were more frequent in the oxybutynin group. Mini Mental State Examination scores did not decline after treatment, even in AD patients. Geriatric Depression Scale scores, Activities of Daily Living scores, and QOL scores significantly improved after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Antimuscarinic agents are effective in OAB treatment. They have a positive impact on daily life activities, depression, and QOL indices. Furthermore, they do not have a negative effect on cognitive function in older adults with or without AD.

Biomaterials for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: how can we do better?

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are major health issues that detrimentally impact the quality of life of millions of women worldwide. Surgical repair is an effective and durable treatment for both conditions. Over the past two decades there has been a trend to enforce or reinforce repairs with synthetic and biological materials. The determinants of surgical outcome are many, encompassing the physical and mechanical properties of the material used, and individual immune responses, as well surgical and constitutional factors. Of the current biomaterials in use none represents an ideal. Biomaterials that induce limited inflammatory response followed by constructive remodelling appear to have more long term success than biomaterials that induce chronic inflammation, fibrosis and encapsulation. In this review we draw upon published animal and human studies to characterize the changes biomaterials undergo after implantation and the typical host responses, placing these in the context of clinical outcomes.

Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence for post-stroke inpatients in Southern China

AIMS

The prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI) for post-stroke inpatients remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with the development of UI for post-stroke inpatients in southern China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 711 post-stroke patients from neurological units at 8 different hospitals in Guangzhou, a city in southern China, were interviewed face to face. Data were collected by a self-designed questionnaire which includes sociodemographic variables, characteristics of stroke, and medical history.

RESULTS

The prevalence of UI among post-stroke inpatients was 44.3%. By multivariate logistic regression, we found that major risk factors for UI included health care assistant care (OR = 3.935), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.755), mixed stroke (OR = 2.802), parietal lobe lesion (OR = 1.737), chronic cough (OR = 2.099), aphasia (OR = 3.541), and post-stroke depression (OR = 3.398).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of UI among post-stroke inpatients is high. Stroke inpatients looked after by health care assistant, hemorrhagic stroke, mixed stroke, parietal lobe lesion, chronic cough, aphasia, and post-stroke depression were high-risk groups for UI. These patients should be targeted when planning intervention programs.

Urinary incontinence, functional status, and health-related quality of life among Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the program for all-inclusive care for the elderly and dual eligible demonstration special needs plans

The Health Outcomes Survey-Modified is a brief annual survey completed by enrollees in the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly and selected special needs plans to collect functional status information used to adjust Medicare payments to these plans. We examined the relationship between urinary incontinence, functional limitations, and health-related quality of life among 16 387 respondents to the 2009 Health Outcomes Survey-Modified. Measures were the physical and mental components scores and self-rated general health derived from the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12). Urinary incontinence is prevalent among frail community-dwelling adults and has substantial impact on quality of life.

Gender differences in bladder control: from babies to elderly

In both sexes, there are anatomical and behavioral differences in dealing with bladder control, as well as voiding and incontinence. Despite intensive research within the last decades, the differences in physiology and pathophysiology as well as gender differences of bladder control and continence are still poorly understood and further research is highly needed. In babies, gender difference seems to be most likely caused by a difference in maturity rate of the bladder. After gaining bladder control, behavior starts to be influenced by socialization. During preschool and school, children experience a negative perception of school toilets. Especially girls crouch over the toilet seat and train to empty the bladder without relaxation of the pelvic floor. This posture may lead to bladder dysfunction. Often adult women continue this bad habit and bladder dysfunction may consolidate. From the fourth decade in both sexes lower urinary tract symptoms start to develop. However, men and women handle the problem variedly showing gender differences in coping strategies with better coping mechanisms in women. In general, gender difference in help seeking and receiving treatment increases with younger age. In elderly, urinary incontinence is only associated with a higher mortality in men, and elderly men seek more often professional help. Aim of the review is to provide an insight into gender differences of bladder control and bladder dysfunction.

Urinary incontinence and risk of functional decline in older women: data from the Norwegian HUNT-study

Background

The main objective of the present study was to determine whether UI is an independent predictor of ADL decline and IADL decline in elderly women. We also aimed to find out whether incontinent subjects were at higher risk of needing help from formal home care or home nursing care during 11 year follow-up.

Methods

A prospective cohort study conducted as part of the North-Trøndelag Health Study 2 and 3. Women aged 70–80 years when participating in the HUNT 2 study, who also participated in the HUNT 3 study, were included in this study. Analyses on self-reported urinary incontinence at baseline and functional decline during a11-year period were performed for incontinent and continent subjects.

Results

Baseline prevalence of urinary incontinence was 24%. At on average eleven year follow up, logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between incontinence and decline in activities of daily living (ADL) (OR =2.37, 95% CI =1.01-5.58) (P=0.04). No association between urinary incontinence and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in incontinent women compared with continent women was found (OR=1.18, CI=.75-1.86) (P=.46). Data were adjusted for ADL, IADL and co morbid conditions at baseline. No significant differences in need of more help from formal home care and home nursing care between continent and incontinent women were found after 11 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

Urinary incontinence is an important factor associated with functional decline in women aged 70–80 years living in their own homes. At eleven years of follow up, no significant differences in need of more help from formal home care and home nursing care between continent and incontinent women were found.

Impact of cough and urinary incontinence on quality of life in women and men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cough and urinary incontinence on quality of life in women and men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care.

BACKGROUND

Existing information on the impact of cough and urinary incontinence on quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is scant.

DESIGN

A questionnaire survey.

METHOD

The study included 391 women and 337 men, aged 50-75 years, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A self-administered questionnaire consisted of CCQ and SF-12 questionnaires. A response rate of 66% was obtained. Most patients had been diagnosed with moderate (Stage II) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RESULTS

Women and men with urinary incontinence showed a significantly higher presence of symptomatic cough and phlegm production than did women and men without incontinence. Women with incontinence had a significantly higher burden of CCQ symptoms, functional and mental state than did women without incontinence. Concerning quality-of-life scores, women with incontinence had lower physical state scores (37·6 ± 10·4 vs. 41·4 ± 9·9; p < 0·001) and mental state scores (44·3 ± 10·2 vs. 47·1 ± 10·5; p < 0·007) than did women without incontinence. Men with incontinence had a significantly higher burden of CCQ symptoms and mental state than did men without incontinence. When examining the quality-of-life scores, men with incontinence had lower mental state scores than did men without incontinence (46·0 ± 9·7 vs. 49·8 ± 9·7; p < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

The present results indicate that cough and urinary incontinence lead to poor quality of life in women and men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

In the context of primary health care, appropriate questions concerning urinary incontinence and quality of life should be included in care plans for women and men living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Association between the Geriatric Giants of urinary incontinence and falls in older people using data from the Leicestershire MRC Incontinence Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether urinary incontinence per se and different types of urinary incontinence individually are associated with an increased risk of falls in those aged 70 years and over. To investigate whether the presence of urinary symptoms, poor quality of life and physical limitations in this population with urinary incontinence is associated with falls.

DESIGN

Study using data from the cross-sectional postal questionnaire undertaken in the Leicestershire Medical Research Council Incontinence Study.

SETTING

Leicestershire.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5,474 people aged 70 years or more living in the community randomly selected from general practitioners' lists.

RESULTS

Urinary incontinence and both urge and stress incontinence were positively related to falls (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). The larger the volume of urine lost, the greater the risk of falls (P < 0.0001). Falls were associated with the presence of urinary symptoms (P = 0.01 or less), physical limitations (P = 0.001 or less) and having a poorer quality of life (P = 0.004 or less) in respondents with urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

An association has been shown between falling and urinary leakage including the previously unreported association with stress leakage. Falling and urinary incontinence were found to be associated with physical limitations and had an impact on quality of life.

The effects of a multi-intervention incontinence care program on clinical, economic, and environmental outcomes

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of a multi-intervention program consisting of use of new absorbent products, a structured skin care regimen, and nursing advice on clinical (incontinence-associated dermatitis [IAD]), economic, and environmental outcomes.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

The study setting was a nursing home in northern Italy. Sixty-three patients with urinary incontinence participated, including 46 women and 17 men. Their average was 84.0 ± 9.1 years (mean ± SD). Thirty-five participants were entirely dependent on others for activities of daily living, such as bathing or dressing.

DESIGN

Single-group, pre-/postintervention study.

METHODS

The multi-intervention program was implemented in 3 phases: (1) initial assessment of incontinence care (phase 0, baseline measurement), (2) introduction of new absorbent products for incontinence and a structured skin care regimen (phase 1), and (3) introduction of advice provided by continence nurses (phase 2).

RESULTS

All 63 subjects were found to have IAD at baseline.When compared to baseline measurement, the relative risk of IAD following implementation of phase 1 (new absorbent products and structured skin care regimen) was 0.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.35). Adding advice from continence nurses during this final phase (2) of the study further diminished the relative risk of IAD to 0.15 (95% CI, 0.04-0.59). In addition,the relative risk of IAD was 0.03 (95% CI 0.01-0.12) when the complete intervention (new absorbent products, structured skin care regimen, and continence nurse advice) was compared to baseline measurement. Baseline evaluation revealed that incontinent residents used an average of 5.19 absorbent products,at a mean cost of € 1.79 per day. Following introduction of the multi-intervention program, the mean number of absorbent products consumed per day was 2.02 per incontinent patient, at a mean cost of € 0.97 per day. In addition to these clinical and economic outcomes, implementation of the multi-intervention program reduced the daily production of waste generated by the nursing home from 33 to 11 kg/d.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study suggest that a multi-intervention program, including introduction of new absorbent products, a structured skin hygiene program, and advice from continence nurses, reduce the relative risk of IAD, absorbent product use, and generation of waste materials.

Urinary incontinence and quality of life among older community-dwelling Australian men: the CHAMP study

OBJECTIVE

to describe the prevalence and impact on quality of life of urinary incontinence in a population-based cohort of older community-dwelling Australian men.

SUBJECTS

the population comprised 1,705 men aged >or=70 years participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project, a population-based study of urban older Australian men.

METHODS

data were collected between January 2005 and June 2007, and the participation rate was 47%. Data on demographics, medical history and from the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire were collected. Urinary incontinence was defined as urinary leakage at least two times a week over the past 4 weeks.

RESULTS

the prevalence of urinary incontinence was 14.8%, increasing from 12.0% for men aged 70-74 years old to 16.3% for those aged >or=90 years, with urgency incontinence being the most frequent type of urinary incontinence. Daily urine leakage was reported by 3% of men. Men with incontinence had lower overall SF-12 scores with greater impact on the physical (PCS) than the mental (MCS) components of that scale. After adjusting for age, number of co-morbidities, enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, men with incontinence had worse PCS (43.6 vs 45.9) and MCS scores (52.2 vs 54.6) compared with continent men.

CONCLUSION

urinary incontinence is common among older community-dwelling men and is associated with worse quality of life with greater impact on physical than mental factors. As the population ages, urinary incontinence prevalence will increase and increased resources will be needed to address this growing problem.

The effects of multidimensional exercise on functional decline, urinary incontinence, and fear of falling in community-dwelling elderly women with multiple symptoms of geriatric syndrome: a randomized controlled and 6-month follow-up trial

This study assessed the effects of multidimensional exercises on functional decline, urinary incontinence, and fear of falling in community-dwelling Japanese elderly women with multiple symptoms of geriatric syndrome (MSGS). Sixty-one participants were randomly assigned either to an intervention (n=31) or to a control group (n=30). For 3-month period, the intervention group received multidimensional exercise, twice a week, aiming to increase the muscle strength, walking ability, and pelvic floor muscle (PFM). Outcome variables were measured at baseline, and after intervention and follow-up. The functional decline of the intervention group decreased from 50.0% at baseline to 16.7% after intervention and follow-up (Q=16.67, p<0.001). For urinary incontinence, the intervention group decreased from 66.7% at baseline to 23.3% after intervention and 40.0% at follow-up (Q=13.56, p=0.001), whereas the control group showed no improvement. Intervention group showed greater and significant decrease in the score of MSGS compared to control group (F=12.66, p=0.001). Within the subjects that showed improvement to normal status of MSGS, a significantly higher proportion demonstrated increased maximum walking speed at follow-up (Q=6.50, p=0.039). These results suggest that multidimensional exercise is an effective strategy for reducing geriatric syndromes in elderly population. An increase in walking ability may contribute to the improvement of MSGS.

Urinary incontinence and waist circumference in older women

OBJECTIVE

the study aims to determine the association between adiposity and fitness with urinary incontinence (UI) in older women.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil. A sample of 1,069 urban women, age 60+, was assessed for UI (in-person interview), adiposity (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]) and fitness. Logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between UI and the independent variables-adiposity (BMI and WC) and fitness indicators. All models were adjusted for age, socioecomomic level, diabetes and hypertension.

RESULTS

BMI and functional tests were not significantly associated with UI. WC was an independent and significant predictor. Relative to women in the lowest quartile of WC, odds ratios for UI were 1.98 for WC of 79-86 cm, 2.07 for WC of 86-94 cm and 2.24 for WC >94 cm (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

central adiposity, as indicated by large WC, increases the risk of UI. Intra-abdominal pressure and its effect on urethral structures may be responsible for this increased risk. Older women should be counselled on the risk of central obesity for UI.

Correlation between cognitive impairment and dependence in hypoxemic COPD

We studied 149 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Three clusters were generated (high, mid, and low level of cognitive function) based on 11 neuropsychologic scores; personal independence in basic/instrumental activities of daily living (BADL/IADL) of clusters was compared by discriminant analysis. Pattern of BADL/IADL was cluster-specific in 79.2% of high and 54.9% of low clusters, but only 20.8% of mid cluster. Self-administering drugs, continence, managing money, and dressing items had the greatest discriminatory capacity. Clusters had comparable respiratory function. In older COPD patients, dependence parallels cognitive impairment only to some extent. Indices of COPD severity are poor correlates of dependence.

[New-onset urinary incontinence in the first six month after admission into a nursing home: prevalence, incidence and remission, risk and protective factors]

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common health problem, particularly in nursing homes. However, neither its prevalence at the time of entry nor its incidence in the first six months of residence has been assessed in the German nursing home population. Few studies have been performed to identify risk factors for new-onset urinary incontinence. Possible protective factors have not yet been analyzed for Germany.

AIM

The study assesses the entry and overall prevalence of urinary incontinence in German nursing homes as well as its incidence during the first six months after entry. It also identifies factors that increase the risk of new-onset urinary incontinence after entry as well as those that promote preservation/restoration of the continence capacity.

METHOD

A secondary analysis (cross-section and longitudinal section) was conducted to examine resident- related data recorded by the electronic health care documentation system of a provider with 47 nursing homes. The random sample comprised 2466 (cross-section) and 2000 persons (longitudinal section).

RESULTS

Urinary incontinence was seen in 79.5% of residents at the time of entry. Its prevalence rose to 83% after six months. The overall prevalence was 87.3% (2153 of 2466). Bivariate analysis showed a disproportionately high incidence of new-onset urinary incontinence among residents with adequate physical and mental resources and low care needs at the time of entry. Constructing course variables in the bivariate analysis revealed that new-onset urinary incontinence correlated highly with deterioration of the overall physical constitution, the ability to walk and move, and the mental condition, whereas restoration of the continence capacity was clearly associated with improvement in these areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that preserving and promoting the mental and physical capacities of residents are the most important preventive and rehabilitating measures for counteracting the development of incontinence after nursing home entry.

Orthogeriatric care for the elderly with hip fractures: where are we?

Hip fracture (HF) is a major health care problem in the Western world, associated with significant morbidity, mortality and loss of function. Its incidence is expected to increase as the population ages. The authors discuss the role of a coordinated multidisciplinary team in the management of patients during hospital stay, at discharge and during rehabilitation. Orthogeriatric care should not just be viewed as a multidisciplinary activity, but as a radical alternative to the traditional model of care, an alternative based on all those strategies in which evidence shows an improvement in outcomes in the fractured elderly. Therefore, key points of the care are early surgery, immediate mobilization, prevention and management of delirium, pain and malnutrition, as well as an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is useful in identifying frail elderly and in providing information that is essential in formulating clinical recommendations and making care plans. In each hospital, the orthogeriatric unit should represent a center of excellence for treating elderly patients with major fractures. However, when an orthogeriatric project is implemented, it is essential that detailed data about the case-mix of patients, process of care and outcomes are collected, to compare the results with historical data and to be able to participate in audit processes.

Incontinence: assessment, diagnosis, and management in two rehabilitation units for older people

BACKGROUND

Incontinence of both bladder and bowel is a major health care problem and adversely affects the lives of many people living at home or in health service facilities. The prevalence and severity of incontinence is a global concern that has, in recent years, prompted investigation across several countries. Current approaches to continence care indicate an emphasis on safety and reduction of risk, rather than on detailed individualised assessment and management.

AIM

To show approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and management of urinary and faecal incontinence in two rehabilitation settings for older people in Ireland. The study forms part of a larger 2-year case study to identify the determinants of practice "context" that enable or hinder proactive approaches to promoting continence and the treatment of incontinence in rehabilitation settings for older people.

METHOD

The Royal College of Physicians Audit Scheme was used to record the assessment and management of urinary and faecal incontinence. This scheme also includes questions regarding resources available to enable effective continence management. Over 6 months, 220 patients who suffered from incontinence participated in two study sites: a 78-bed rehabilitation unit in Northern Ireland and an 80-bed rehabilitation unit in Southern Ireland.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that 60% of incontinent patients had urinary incontinence, 3% faecal incontinence, and 37% mixed urinary and faecal incontinence; however, a specific continence assessment and specific rationale for treatment decisions or continuation of care were lacking. The focus was on continence containment rather than on proactive management. The examination of resources available for continence promotion and management showed that even though guidelines for continence management were available to staff in one unit, there was a dearth of appropriate education or support for staff in continence care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Because incontinence remains an issue for older people and the clinical implications of sustained incontinence are multifaceted, strategies should focus on the development of practice towards evidence-based multidisciplinary approaches to continence promotion and management.

Psycho-relational aspects of urinary incontinence in female sexuality

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a very common disorder in women, involving severe consequences on the patients’ perception of quality of life and sexuality. The aim of this contribution is to analyze the psycho-relational aspects linked to UI, focusing on sexual activity, self-perception of sexual competence and self-esteem.

Urinary incontinence causes feelings of shame and inadequacy as well as low self-esteem; it may affect sexual activity, reducing sexual intercourse frequency. Many authors highlight a strong comorbidity between urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunctions, such as dyspareunia, vaginismus, hypo-active sexual desire, arousal and orgasm disorders. Literature analysis shows that changes in sexual activity are influenced not only by urinary incontinence symptoms but also by the disorder self-perception, by previous sexuality, menopause, social status and the partner's attitude.

The etiological study of urinary incontinence shows that several different factors play a role in this disorder. Therefore, an integrated therapeutic approach is suggested, considering, besides the organic issues, the experience and feelings of patients as well as the consequences on their sexual and social life.

Premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction: the need for a bladder function history

INTRODUCTION

Despite the high prevalence of both female sexual problems and bladder dysfunction in the premenopausal population, sexual history forms used in primary care offices rarely include questions about the impact of bladder dysfunction on sexual health.

AIM

To provide a review of the literature that illustrates the relationship between bladder problems and sexual performance of premenopausal women.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To objectively support by a review of the literature the need for a complete bladder history in when evaluating premenopausal women with female sexual dysfunction.

METHODS

Pubmed was searched for all articles (from November 1980 to June 2007) that reported on the effect bladder dysfunction has on premenopausal female sexual function.

RESULTS

The scant literature available strongly suggested that bladder dysfunction is a contributor to sexual dysfunction and that this medical concern should be considered in all women, regardless of age who present with sexual complaints.

CONCLUSION

Further studies need to be conducted in order to solidify a direct causal relationship between bladder dysfunction and premenopausal female sexuality. These studies should include a larger sample size, clearly defined types of sexual dysfunction and bladder dysfunction, and appropriate follow-up of patient responses using validated objective and subjective outcome modalities to confirm that the patient responses are factual.

Association of urgency symptoms with self-rated health, mood and functioning in an older population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with comorbidities are common in old age. The aim here was to investigate the associations of urgency symptoms with self-rated health, mood and functioning in a random older population adjusted for comorbid conditions.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional survey was made involving 343 people (159 men and 184 women) aged 70 years and over. LUTS were categorized as symptoms with or without urgency. Perceived inconvenience from LUTS, self-rated health, mood, social activity and activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and mobility disability were the outcome measures. Ageand gender-adjusted and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed in order to examine the associations of urgency and non-urgency symptoms with the outcomes. The covariates were age, gender, and self-reported cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological and other chronic diseases.

RESULTS

Perceived inconvenience from urgency symptoms was more frequent than that from non-urgency symptoms (64% vs 20%, p<0.001). In the age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression models, LUTS with urgency were associated with poor self-rated health (OR [odds ratio] 2.35; 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.06-5.20), depressive mood (OR 7.29; 95% CI 2.91-18.30), ADL (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.10-4.92), IADL (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.19-3.92) and mobility disability (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.37-4.36). LUTS without urgency were associated with depressive mood (OR 5.02; 95% CI 1.97-12.82) and mobility disability (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.10-3.53). In the multivariate analyses in which comorbid conditions were added to the model, the associations of non-urgency and urgency symptoms persisted only with depressive mood (OR 4.00; 95% CI 1.52-10.53 and OR 6.16; 95% CI 2.39-15.84, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Urgency symptoms are associated with poor self-rated health, depressive mood and disability in older people. There is an independent association between both urgency and non-urgency LUTS and depressive mood. A careful assessment of the mental state of older individuals with LUTS is warranted.

Do sleep problems or urinary incontinence predict falls in elderly women?

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were: (1) To determine if night-time sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness, or urinary incontinence were associated with an increased risk of falling in older Australian women and (2) to explore the interrelationships between daytime sleepiness, night-time sleep problems, and urge incontinence. Participants were 782 ambulatory, community-dwelling women aged 75 to 86 recruited from within the existing Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study, in which women above 70 years were selected at random from the electoral roll. Daytime sleepiness, night-time sleep problems, urinary incontinence and falls data were collected via self-complete questionnaires. Thirty-five per cent of participants had fallen at least once in the past 12 months and 37.7% reported at least one night-time sleep problem. However, only 8.1% of the study sample experienced abnormal daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score > 10). Pure stress, pure urge, and mixed incontinence occurred in 36.8%, 3.7%, and 32.6% of participants respectively. In forward stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, urge incontinence (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.29 to 2.41) and abnormal daytime sleepiness (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.21 to 3.49) were significant independent risk factors for falling after controlling for other falls risk factors (age, central nervous system drugs, cardiovascular drugs). As urge incontinence and abnormal daytime sleepiness were independently associated with an increased falls risk, effective management of these problems may reduce the risk of falling in older women.

Unterschiedliches Gesundheitsverhalten bezüglich Bluthochdruck und Harninkontinenz bei gesundheitsbewusst lebenden älteren Menschen

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate health associated attitudes of elderly individuals taking part in a community based health promotion programme. It was of interest to focus on mobility, hypertension and urinary incontinence, problems frequently observed in geriatrics.

METHODS

Participants in the health promotion programme were asked to answer a standardized questionnaire about their individual risk factors and habits concerning some of the main risk factors in the elderly: social isolation, immobility, hypertension, urinary incontinence. Mobility and risk assessment for falls was assessed in a standardized way using the Chair-rising- and Timed-upand-go tests.

RESULTS

The percentage of people with a healthy life style was significantly higher than in a comparable population group. Gait disturbance, mobility limitation and risk of falls were not present. 38.7 % suffered from urinary incontinence. Hypertension was, if present, diagnosed and adequately treated. The participants knew their prescribed drugs and seemed to have an excellent compliance.

DISCUSSION

The participants in the health promotion programme showed an exceptionally high level of health awareness. Nevertheless, the incidence for reported urinary incontinence was significantly higher than in known epidemiological studies. The calm, reassuring atmosphere in which the questionnaire was completed and the large amount of time spent with the participants could explain this finding. The difference in dealing with hypertension and urinary incontinence is obvious. Further health promotion and disease prevention programmes for the elderly should be focused on the complex process of ageing and not only on specific single topics.

Urinary storage symptoms and comorbidities: a prospective population cohort study in middle-aged and older women

OBJECTIVE

to identify predictive morbidities for urinary storage syndromes including indicators for neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, immune, lower bowel and psychological systems. This is the first study to test prior hypotheses, based on a literature review.

DESIGN

this was a prospective cohort study involving 12,570 female respondents aged 40 or more registered with general practitioners and living at home in Leicestershire. Postal questionnaires were used at baseline and 1-year follow-up (response rates 65 and 79%, respectively).

MEASURES

pure stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) were defined using standardised symptom indicators. Specific morbidities included reported medical diagnoses, standardised symptoms and general health indicators. Associations were identified using logistic regression, adjusting for age and physical impairment, with separate models for general and specific morbidities.

RESULTS

multivariate morbidities consistently associated (i.e. both longitudinally and cross-sectionally) were SUI-cystitis and obesity; and OAB-bowel urgency, osteoporosis, imbalance, ankle swelling, cystitis, poor health and old age. Other independent predictors were SUI-multiple sclerosis and joint pain; and OAB-deep vein thrombosis and diabetes. Consistent univariate indicators supported neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, immunological and psychological connections with both types of storage disorder plus an association with lower bowel problems for OAB.

CONCLUSIONS

abnormal urinary storage symptoms were predicted by obesity and poor general health, involving a range of systems of the body. OAB showed more extensive links than SUI with specific morbidities, including more medically diagnosed as opposed to symptom-based conditions. These findings were independent of problems with physical impairment.

Older women and men with urinary symptoms

The aim was to compare urinary symptoms and their influence on daily life among elderly (75+) women and men in a sample that previously had reported difficulties controlling urine (urine incontinence (UI)) and/or other urinary symptoms (OU). A further aim was to find underlying structures of urinary symptoms and to identify symptoms that had an impact on seeking medical help and need of help in daily activities (dependency). In total, 771 persons (352 men and 419 women) over 75 years answered a questionnaire, addressed to those (n=1881) who in a previous population-based study had reported having symptoms of UI and/or OU using the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BF-LUTS) questionnaire and International Continence Society male (ICSmale) questionnaire. The groups with UI, OU, women and men reported similar symptoms of frequency, day and night, as well as influence on social life, and avoidance of places and situations due to the urinary symptoms although they differed in storage and voiding symptoms. Feeling incomplete emptying of bladder differed between the UI, OU, and mixed symptoms (MS) groups but not between genders. Of the whole sample, 43.3% had sought medical help. Factor analysis of similar questions in BF-LUTS and ICSmale questionnaire resulted in the factors labeled voiding, storage, pain, frequency, and daily life. Predictors of the urinary symptoms for needing help in daily activities were frequent micturition day and night (OR 3.2) when aged was controlled for. Influence on daily life (OR 2.5), storage symptoms (OR 2.2), and pain symptoms (OR 2.1) predicted seeking medical help. The results show that urinary symptoms are equally bothersome among men and women. There is a need to encourage elderly to seek medical help and to obtain treatment or alleviations for symptoms that give most bother and indicate dependency, such as frequent micturition day and night and difficulties to reach the toilet in time without leakage.

Characteristics of middle-aged and elderly women with urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of urinary incontinence and to find characteristics useful in general practice for identifying middle-aged and elderly women with the problem.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional interview study.

SETTING

Population-based samples of Danes.

SUBJECTS

A total of 5795 women older than 45 years (46+ years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of incontinence and clinical characteristics assessed by standardized interview questions.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was 20% among women less than 60 years of age and 44% among those older than 80 years. Increasing age was highly associated with both forms of incontinence (stress and urge). High body mass index (BMI), chronic lung disease, and stroke were also associated with both forms, while number of children was associated with stress incontinence only. Predictive models show that 56% of women characterized by high age (older than 80 years) and overweight (BMI higher than 30) will suffer from urinary incontinence. The low-risk group defined by these two parameters (aged 46-60 years and not overweight) still had a 19% prevalence in the last month.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of urinary incontinence increased with age. Even in the low-risk groups the problem was very common in old age. Questions about incontinence should, therefore, be asked in relevant consultations with all elderly female patients.

Epidemiology of prolapse and incontinence questionnaire: validation of a new epidemiologic survey

The epidemiology of prolapse and incontinence questionnaire (EPIQ) was developed to screen for female pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Content and face validity, reliability, internal consistency and criterion validity of the EPIQ to detect the presence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB) and anal incontinence (AI) is presented. Cronbach's alpha; Spearman's, kappa, intraclass correlations, factor analysis and Chi-Squared tests were used for analysis. Questions related to PFD proved internally consistent (alpha = 0.91) and reproducible (correlations >0.70) for all but three items on the EPIQ. Positive and negative predictive values of the EPIQ to detect PFD were: POP = 76% and 97%, SUI = 88% and 87%, OAB = 77% and 90% and AI = 61% and 91% respectively. EPIQ is a psychometrically validated screening instrument that may identify women at high risk of having pelvic floor disorders in large undiagnosed populations.

Functional impairment as a risk factor for urinary incontinence among older Americans

AIMS

Using a large nationally representative sample of older Americans we investigate four domains of functional impairment as possible risk factors for the subsequent development of urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms.

METHODS

Data from three waves (1993, 1995, 1998) of the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) survey were used to model the effects of functional impairment on the onset of UI symptoms.

RESULTS

A greater number of serious chronic conditions and functional impairment in the lower body mobility domain increased the odds of the onset of mild UI (vs. remaining continent). Factors that contributed to greater odds of the onset of severe UI (vs. remaining continent) were older age, being represented by a proxy respondent, and functional impairment in the strength domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the possible relationship between functional impairment and UI is an important step toward developing appropriate interventions for the prevention, treatment, or management of urine loss.

Urinary incontinence and the community-dwelling elder: a practical approach to diagnosis and management for the primary care geriatrician

Although there have been dramatic improvements in the management of incontinence since the 1940s, this area remains a major challenge to the geriatrician. Patients need to be asked regularly if they are incontinent and, after the diagnosis is made, should be given a rational treatment plan. Urodynamics should not be performed until mainstream treatments have failed.

The prevalence of male urinary incontinence in four centres: the UREPIK study

OBJECTIVES

To report the results of the prevalence and health status associated with male urinary incontinence (UI) in a population-based, multicentre study in four countries, and to assess the epidemiology of this condition.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A standard questionnaire asking about frequency and amount of urine loss, use of pads and stress incontinence, was used to measure the prevalence of UI among men in four countries (Boxmeer, The Netherlands; Auxerre, France; Birmingham, UK; and Seoul, Korea). Self-reported urinary leakage was also recorded, with details of visits to the doctor for the symptoms. The samples were selected randomly from population registers of men aged 40-79 years, which provided representative samples in each community.

RESULTS

In all, 4979 men responded; from incontinence symptom scores, 7.3% of men aged 40-79 years in Auxerre, 16.3% in Boxmeer, 14.4% in Birmingham and 4.3% in Seoul reported mild to severe UI. On a self-reported question, 14.8% and 14.5% of men in Birmingham and Boxmeer thought that they had urinary leakage, compared with 7.5% and 7.1% of men in Auxerre and Seoul, but typically the reported incontinence was leaking drops of urine a few times a week. Of men with urinary leakage in the three European centres, 25.9% visited the doctor with this problem, compared with only 9.0% of men in Seoul. Of men in the European centres, 5.9% used pads at least occasionally, compared with only 1.6% of men in Seoul. UI was age-related and the reporting of it varied among centres, with 14.4% of men in Birmingham and 12.7% of men in Boxmeer aged 40-49 years reporting mild to severe UI, compared with 5.2% in Auxerre and 1.9% in Seoul. Among men aged 60-69 years the corresponding percentages were 13.7% in Birmingham, 22.6% in Boxmeer, 9.2% in Auxerre and 8.0% in Seoul.

CONCLUSIONS

UI is more common in older men and relatively uncommon among younger men. Some men reported no problems on the symptom questionnaire but replied positively to a direct question. Surprisingly many men wear protective pads at least occasionally as a result of their problem. UI appears to be a problem for men and which remains largely untreated; this may partly be a result of cultural differences.