Dual Incontinence and Risk of Fall: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Urogynecology
• Public Health

Background:

• Urinary incontinence (UI) is associated with increased fall risk in older adults.
• The specific impact of dual incontinence (DI), encompassing both UI and fecal incontinence, on fall risk remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between dual incontinence (DI) and the risk of falls in women aged 65 and older.
• To determine if DI poses a greater fall risk than UI alone.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 2,814 female patients aged 65+ presenting with UI.
• Data collected on demographics, falls, and frailty markers via questionnaires.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with falls.

Main Results:

• Women with DI (n=153) had a significantly higher rate of falls (22.9%) compared to those with UI alone (n=2,661, 12.2%).
• DI was independently associated with a 2.56-fold increased odds of falls.
• Lower income, difficulty with daily activities, and unintentional weight loss were also associated with increased fall risk.

Conclusions:

• Dual incontinence (DI) is a significant independent risk factor for falls in older women.
• Patients with DI experience approximately double the risk of falls compared to those with UI alone.
• Identifying and managing DI is crucial for fall prevention in geriatric populations.