Evaluation of thirst severity, death anxiety, and complementary and supportive therapy use as predictors of urinary incontinence-related quality of life in older adults

AimTo evaluate thirst severity, death anxiety, and use of complementary and supportive therapy as predictors of urinary incontinence-related quality of life in older adults.FindingsThe mean urinary incontinence-related quality of life score was significantly correlated with daytime frequency of urinary incontinence and thirst severity score. Thirst severity was a significant determinant of urinary incontinence-related quality of life. Most of the older adults in the study said they had never used complementary or supportive therapies for urinary incontinence.MessageThirst severity should be assessed in older people with urinary incontinence in addition to other factors that may affect urinary incontinence-related quality of life. PurposeThis correlational survey study aimed to evaluate thirst severity, death anxiety, and the use of complementary and supportive therapy as predictors of urinary incontinence-related quality of life in older adults.MethodsThe study included 368 participants aged 60 or older. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a participant information form, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Visual Analog Scale for thirst severity, Death Anxiety Scale, a modified version of the Mini Mental State Examination, and questions about their use of complementary and supportive therapies.ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 70.5 +/- 6.9 years (54.9% female). Mean ICIQ-SF score was significantly correlated with daytime frequency of urine leakage and thirst severity score. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that thirst severity was a significant predictor of urinary incontinence-related quality of life. Most of the older adults said they had never used complementary or supportive therapies for urinary incontinence.ConclusionThirst severity should be assessed in older adults with urinary incontinence in addition to other factors that may affect ICIQ-SF scores.