Urinary incontinence among a 65-year old Swedish population: medical history and psychosocial consequences.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a disability caused by an impairment, which can lead to a handicap of importance for nursing care. This means that UI is not only a practical-medical concern but also a socio-economic problem. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of UI among 65 year-olds in a Swedish Health Care District and to compare gender differences concerning medical history and psychosocial consequences. In a Primary Health Care District, a questionnaire pertaining to UI was mailed to all women and men 65 years of age (N = 458). A total of 91% (n = 419) was sufficient for data analysis, which was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that 28% (n = 61) of the women and 9% (n = 21) of the men were afflicted with UI. Women reported significantly more urge incontinence (p < .05) as well as stress incontinence (p < .05). Information from the health service about UI had been given to 46% (n = 28) of the women and 33% (n = 7) of the men. The strongest reason reported, both in women (42%, n = 26) and men (40%, n = 8), for not seeking help from the health service was that UI was a normal condition for people of their age. Most of the women had to urinate at least twice per night (42%) compared to once per night (44%) for the men. It is important to establish a UI clinic at every main Primary Health Care Centre which builds on nursing care and whose aim is to inform the general public that UI is a common problem, that it leads to psychosocial consequences, and that the health service can offer active rehabilitation interventions.