Urinary incontinence and related quality of life among elderly women in Tabas, South Khorasan, Iran

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common problems in old age that is often seen in women, which causes not only physical problems but also psychological, social, economic problems and poor quality of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the UI and related quality of life (QoL) in elderly women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 369 women over 60 years old and living in Tabas city, Iran who were selected by cluster random sampling method. The instruments included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Module, and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using independent t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression in SPSS software. RESULTS: The UI prevalence among participants was 24.9% and stress urinary incontinence was the most common type (40.2% of all elderly patients). The mean UI-related QoL score was 38.04 ± 11.67 from the score range of 22–76. There was a significant positive correlation between UI-related QoL score and UI score (r = 0.585, p < 0.001). Age, body mass index (BMI), constipation, history of cesarean section, hypertension, and the use of angiotensin receptor blockers are factors increasing the odds of having UI in this study population. CONCLUSION: Aging, some chronic diseases, high BMI, and the use of some drugs are related to UI prevalence. Also, it is associated with lower QOL among elderly women. Designing appropriate intervention programs, controlling chronic diseases, training in the proper use of drugs, and also some physical exercises can be effective in controlling and improving this common syndrome of old age and promoting their QoL.