Prevalence of urinary incontinence among Spanish older people living at home

To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of urinary incontinence (UI) in the noninstitutionalized elderly population of Madrid, Spain.

We carried out a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of all community-dwelling people aged 65 or over. Subjects were interviewed in their homes. The question: Do you currently experience any difficulty in controlling your urine? . In other words, does your urine escape involuntarily? was used to identify UI. Type of UI, use of absorbents and specific drugs were also assessed, as well as consultation behavior.

589 persons were interviewed (response rate: 71.2%). The prevalence of UI was 15.5%. No significant difference was observed between men and women. Urge UI was the main type for men and mixed UI for women. Use of pads was referred by 20.2%. A total of 34.3% of subjects never went to the doctor for their problem (25.2% of men and 39.4% of women).

Compared to other populations the overall prevalence of UI in Spanish elders living at home is relatively high. A very small difference by gender was found, although a lower response rate in women could in part explain this unexpected finding.