Determinants of Urinary Incontinence and Subtypes Among the Elderly in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common problem among older adults. This study investigated the prevalence of UI in nursing home residents aged ≥75 years in China and examined potential risk factors associated with UI and its subtypes. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews using a general questionnaire, the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form, and the Barthel Index. A total of 551 participants aged ≥75 years residing in Changsha city were enrolled from June to December 2018. The UI prevalence rate among nursing home residents aged ≥75 years was 24.3%. The most frequent subtype was mixed (M) UI (38.1%), followed by urge (U) UI (35.1%), stress (S) UI (11.9%), and other types (14.9%). In terms of severity, 57.5% had moderate UI, while 35.1% had mild and 7.5% had severe UI. Constipation, immobility, wheelchair use, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and pelvic or spinal surgery were significant risk factors for UI. Participants with a history of surgery had higher risks of SUI (odds ratio [OR] = 4.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-15.30) and UUI (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.05-3.71), those who were immobile or used a wheelchair had higher rates of MUI (OR = 11.07, 95% CI: 4.19-29.28; OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.16-9.78) and other UI types (OR = 7.89, 95% CI: 1.99-31.30; OR = 14.90, 95% CI: 4.88-45.50), those with CVD had a higher rate of UUI (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.17-4.34), and those with diabetes had a higher risk of UUI (OR = 2.250, 95% CI: 1.14-4.44). Use of oral antithrombotic agents increased UUI risk (OR = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.10-11.85) whereas sedative hypnotic drug use was associated with a higher risk of MUI (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.25-10.45). Each UI subtype has distinct risk factors, and elderly residents of nursing homes with a history of CVD and pelvic or spinal surgery who experience constipation should be closely monitored. Reducing time spent in bed and engaging in active rehabilitation including walking and muscle strengthening may aid in UI prevention and treatment.

Keywords: elderly population; geriatric; nursing home; older adult; prevalence; risk factor; subtype; urinary incontinence.