PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN TURKISH NURSING HOMES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI) in nursing home residents in the capital city of Turkey. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 394 elderly people (244 women and 150 men), aged over 60 years were interviewed in nursing homes. A structured questionnaire and face to face interviews were used as the instrument for data collection. Results: The overall prevalence of UI was 22.8% (n=90) when defined as "the involuntary loss of urine at least twice a month". Among elderly people, 33 (36.3%) had urge, 29 (31.9%) stress and 5 (5.5%) mixed type UI. UI was significantly associated with body mass index, recurrent lower urinary tract infections, heart disease, endocrine disorders, respiratory diseases and urinary system diseases. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence affects approximately one of four elderly people in Turkish nursing homes. The results underscore the need for planning prevention and treatment strategies for UI.