Bacteriuria and urinary incontinence in aged female nursing home residents

Although urinary incontinence (UI) is identified as a symptom of urinary tract infection (UTI), the incontinent elderly frequently are not treated for UTI unless clinically significant manifestations are present. The purpose of this research was to identify variables that may be associated with bacteriuria in the female person who is already known to be incontinent. A sample of 65 incontinent female nursing home residents was divided into three groups: (1) those with negative urine screens; (2) those with a bacterial count of over 100,000 per ml of urine; and (3) those with a bacterial count of below 100,000 per ml urine. Variables examined were: (1) physical symptoms; (2) physical examination findings; (3) mental status; and (4) functional abilities. Significant group differences were found regarding awareness of the urge to void and ability to hold urine. A near significance finding suggested that the higher the level of cognitive function the less likely the presence of UTI. There was some evidence to suggest the higher the level of independence the less likely the presence of UTI. Recommendations for nursing practice and future nursing research are made.