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Does urinary incontinence affect middle-aged and older women's time use and activity patterns?
Nancy H Fultz1, Gwenith G Fisher, Kristi Rahrig Jenkins
1Institute for Research on Women and Gender and the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. nfultz@umich.edu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 2, 2004
Summary
Urinary incontinence significantly impacts women's daily activities and time use. Incontinent women engage less in social and physical activities, and more in sedentary ones like watching television.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Women's Health
Background:
- Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition affecting women's quality of life.
- Understanding the impact of UI on daily activities is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence and women's participation levels and hours in various activities.
- To analyze how UI affects time use and activity patterns in older women.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2,190 female self-respondents (born 1947 or earlier) from the Health and Retirement Study (2000-2001).
- Employed logistic regression to predict activity participation and linear regression for hours of participation.
- Linked survey data with Health and Retirement Study data for comprehensive analysis.
Main Results:
- Urinary incontinence was associated with significant differences in women's time use and activity patterns.
- Incontinent women were less likely to engage in activities like house cleaning, shopping, physical affection, and religious services.
- They were more prone to watching television or making music, and spent fewer hours walking, communicating, working, or using computers.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the link between UI and reduced quality of life.
- Highlight the need for patient education regarding UI's impact on daily life.
- Clinicians should encourage activity and consider time use implications in treatment plans.