Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

Over half of women in the United States report urinary incontinence (UI). This condition can be treated conservatively, but many people do not seek treatment. The current correlational study assessed women's knowledge of UI. Specifically, we investigated the relationships between knowledge level about UI and quality of life (QoL), and between severity level of UI and QoL. A convenience cross-sectional sample of 39 older women was obtained from two YMCA locations. Data were analyzed using the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. A significant relationship was found between severity of UI and QoL, r(s) = -.73, p < .001; no relationship was found between knowledge level of UI and QoL, r(s )= .24, p = .13. Results suggested women's knowledge about the causes of UI and conservative therapy is limited. Occupational therapists need to address UI with their patients and educate them about treatment options and availability.