Abstract:
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant physical health issue among older adults.
This condition adversely affects the quality of life (QoL) of older adults.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of UI and its’ impact to the quality of life of older adults
(aged 60+ years) in Galle district
Methods: Using a self-administered questionnaire, an analytical cross-sectional study was
conducted among 210 older adults (male=49, female=161) selected with stratified random
sampling from Bope–Poddala Divisional Secretary Area of Galle, Sri Lanka. Validated Sinhala
versions of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and the World Health
Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire) were used to
identify UI and the QoL of older adults respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.
Independent t-test was used to identify association between UI and QoL.
Results: The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 68.31(±6.28) years and the age range was 60
to 86 years. The overall prevalence of UI was 7.1%. At least one lower urinary tract symptom was
found in 28.6% (n=210) of older adults. There was no difference of UI between males and females
(p>0.05). Slightly higher mean values of physical health (62.91 vs. 57.2), psychological health
(67.83 vs. 62.73), social relationships (71.58 vs. 63.73) and environmental health (66.64 vs. 64.67)
dimensions of the QoL were observed among those with no UI compared to those with UI
(p>0.05).
Conclusions: A considerable number of older adults were suffering from UI, but it has no
significant effect on their QoL. However, nurses and other public health care professionals should
educate older adults about this health condition and how to control it.
Keywords: Lower Urinary Tract Symptom, Older Adults, Prevalence, Quality of Life, Urine
incontinence
69
