The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Elderly Women at Institutionalized Facilities in Pusan

Kim, Jae Sik; Lee, Jeong Zoo

Abstract

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence rate of incontinence in institutionalized facilities-dwelling women over 60 years of age.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was conducted in five institutionalized facilities of Pusan. The data were collected from June 12th to July 12th in 1998. The total number of 5 institutionalized facilities-dwelling women over 60 years old were 382 women. The interviews using questionnaires regarding general characteristics, obstetric history, disease-related factors, and urinary symptoms including incontinence were performed and additional uroflowmetry was done.
RESULTS
Of 382 women residents over 60 years old, 308 women were participated in our study. The response rate was 80.6%. The prevalence rate of incontinence in all age groups was 45.5%(140/308). The prevalence rate of stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence were 15.6%(48/308), 6.2%(19/308) and 23.7%(73/308) respectively. There was no statistical differences of prevalence rate according to obstetric history(p>0.05). The results of uroflowmetry had not shown any difference according to types of incontinence. Among the bothersome symptoms in incontinent women, weak stream was 31.9%(43/135), dribbling 14.8%(20/135) and abdominal straining 8.9%(12/135). Among 140 incontinent women, 14.3%(20/140) of women have been worn diaper and 3.6%(5/140) of women kept on urethral catheter. The prevalence rate of incontinence was relatively high, however, 112 out of 140 incontinent women had no specific complaints.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence rate of incontinence for elderly women over 60 years old at institutionalized facilities in Pusan, Korea was 45.5%. Because of this high prevalence and lack of medical service and knowledge of incontinence, the governmental based medical service and education will be needed for the proper care of these women.