[Urinary symptoms in elderly women in nursing homes. Frequency and social consequences of urinary incontinence in elderly women living in nursing homes].

All 278 female residents of nursing homes in the County of Roskilde were assessed as regards the extent and severity of urinary incontinence and possible urinary infections. A total of 168 (58.5%) were incontinent. Culture of the urine was performed in 210 women and significant bacteriuria was demonstrated in 50%. Thirty-four out of the total of 287 women (12%) had indwelling catheters. In incontinent women without catheters, great quantities of urine were often voided involuntarily. Despite this, only few were subjectively inconvenienced or inhibited in their social activities. The investigation revealed a connection between urinary incontinence and reduced mobility while no connection was observed with current urinary infections, intake of medicaments and parity. It is emphasized that these results are based on findings in very old women living in nursing homes.