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Urinary incontinence: common problem among women over 45
J Graham Swanson1, Janusz Kaczorowski, Jennifer Skelly
1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. swansongr@yahoo.com
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|August 24, 2006
Summary
Urinary incontinence (UI) affects over half of women aged 45+, with prevalence not increasing with age. Risk factors include cough, swollen ankles, childbirth, smoking, and headaches.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition affecting women.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of UI in community-dwelling women is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-specific prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among community-dwelling women.
- To identify correlates and risk factors associated with UI in this population.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 1082 women aged 45 and older from two family practice clinics.
- The survey utilized a modified Dillman method to assess self-reported UI and potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- The overall response rate was 61%, with 51% of participants reporting UI in the past month.
- Prevalence of UI increased significantly with factors such as persistent cough, swollen ankles, childbirth history, smoking, and headaches.
- Stress, urge, and mixed UI patterns were reported, with mixed pattern being the most common (51.4%). Age was not a significant factor in UI prevalence.
Conclusions:
- More than half of community-dwelling women aged 45 and older experience UI, with nearly one in five reporting an impact on daily activities.
- Further research into women's coping mechanisms and self-perceptions is needed for effective management.
- UI prevalence does not appear to increase with age in this demographic.
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