Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Female Residents of American Nursing Homes and Association with Neuropsychiatric Disorders

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is most common in older women. METHODS: We studied the prevalence of UI among female residents of nursing homes and the influence of associated neuropsychiatric problems on the rates of UI using the results of the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS). RESULTS: Analysis shows that 37% of female nursing home residents are incontinent, especially those with dementia. Residents with depression or schizophrenia are also more likely to have UI whereas those with anxiety, paranoia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder have less UI rates. There are significant associations with neuropsychiatric disorders except for bipolar disease. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend prioritizing behavioral interventions and environmental manipulations for female residents with dementia, depression, and schizophrenia to increase the cost-effectiveness of UI management programs in nursing homes. KEYWORDS: Urinary incontinence; Female residents; Nursing home; Neurodegenerative; Psychiatric