Community-dwelling women's knowledge of urinary incontinence

As the population ages, the risk and prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) will increase. Although this is the case, many women do not seek help or treatment. It is therefore important to investigate women's knowledge of UI. This pilot study aimed to describe community-dwelling women's knowledge of UI. A convenience sample method was used to recruit 50 community-dwelling women aged 50 and over. Some 36 participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Urinary Incontinence Knowledge Scale (UIKS)-a response rate of 72%. The findings indicated that participants had poor knowledge of UI, principally in relation to risk, prevention, treatment and management factors. Fewer than 20% of participants indicated they had been given information on bladder and bowel health issues. The findings suggested that women had unmet educational needs relating to UI. Community nurses have a key role to play in promoting targeted awareness and continence education advice regarding UI to community-dwelling women.