Problems of aging: urinary incontinence prevention

This exploratory study focused on identification of risk factors, the criteria establishing risk, and associated preventive strategies for diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. Sixty-eight women were assessed for actual and potential urinary incontinence. Data collected each month included demographics, medical diagnoses, medications, environmental features, mobility, mental status, and presence or absence of eleven probable risk factors drawn from an extensive review of the literature. Women learned one or more noninvasive treatment strategies linked to their risks. Pretreatment analysis identified 55 women at risk and 13 as incontinent. Posttreatment, 9 were incontinent (1 at-risk woman became incontinent). Greater numbers of risk factors were experienced by the incontinent women. Posttreatment, 7 of the incontinent women eliminated from 1 to 5 risk factors. Risk-factor identification and correction are essential for concerted prevention efforts. The results are clinically important.