Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Quality of Life Among Older Adults Living in a Rural Area of Turkey

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the frequency of urinary incontinence (UI), its effects on quality of life, and risk factors in older adults living in rural areas of Turkey. For this descriptive study, 400 older adults aged 65 to 96 years were interviewed. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form and the Incontinence-Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL). Among those interviewed, 56.3% experienced UI. Logistical regression analysis revealed chronic illness, gender, and level of education as risk factors for UI. Significantly lower (p < 0.05) I-QOL scores were found for older adults having UI, holding urine, leaking urine while coughing/sneezing, involuntarily urinating more than once per day, or wetting themselves. Most participants did not seek help, citing embarrassment or viewing UI as normal. UI significantly reduces older adults' quality of life. Educational and consultation services, especially for older, illiterate, married women with chronic illness, would help these individuals sustain healthy lives.