The impact of urinary incontinence in African American women

Urinary incontinence is a major health problem for many individuals, especially older women. Research on urinary incontinence is common in Caucasians, but scarce in women of diverse cultures. Using data from a previous (parent) descriptive correlational study on risk factors for urinary incontinence in African American women (N = 233), a descriptive study of the impact of urinary incontinence was conducted among 85 college-educated African American women who were members of a prestigious African American organization and reported symptoms of urinary incontinence. Information about frequency and duration of incontinence, activities affected by urinary incontinence, and ratings of how much they were bothered by their urinary incontinence was obtained. Mean age of the study group was 51.94 years (range 20 to 80 years). Fifty-four of the participants (64%) reported one or more vaginal delivery, 33% had undergone a hysterectomy, and symptoms of urinary incontinence had been present from 3 months to 30 years. Stress, urge, and mixed incontinence were reported. Eleven women (13%) had sought treatment for their urinary incontinence, 20% said urinary incontinence bothered them a great deal, 8.5% reported behavioral modifications, and a portion of the women said they had to spend extra money on incontinence supplies. In this group of African American women, urinary incontinence rates were similar to those reported in Caucasian women. Research to increase clinician knowledge base and improve the care of African American women is needed.