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PurposeUrinary incontinence (UI) has substantial and important impacts on quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to identify the associated risk factors of QoL in middle-aged women with UI.MethodsThe participants were 127 women aged 40-64 years who experienced UI. Data were collected from October to November, 2008 using a self-reported questionnaires. The data were analyzed through t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe test, and multiple linear regression with SPSS ver. 16.0 program.ResultsThe distribution of UI severity was mild 18.1%, moderate 40.2% and severe 41.7%. In univariate analysis, differences in the score for QoL according to participants' characteristics were statistically significant on the type of delivery, number of births and severity of UI. In multiple linear regression analysis after adjustment of other variables, the most powerful predictor of QoL is severity of UI. Number of births was also significant predictor. These two variables explained 25% of variance in QoL of women with UI.ConclusionsUI is highly prevalent and causes suffering and impaired QoL among middle-aged women, but it stands beyond our attention. The results of this study suggest that women with moderate to severe UI should be screened for QoL by health care providers regularly. Further research is needed to determine comprehensive factors including psychosocial factors predicting the QoL for incontinent women.

PurposeHealthy, young individuals are known to exhibit circadian variation in urinary functions. However, the effects of chronic circadian disturbance on voiding functions are largely unknown. The present work compared the effects of rotational shifts on the micturition patterns of female nurses to that in female nurses with routine daytime shifts.MethodsA total of 19 nurses without lower urinary tract symptoms who worked rotational shifts for an average duration of 2 years were recruited. A voiding diary was kept for 9 consecutive days, and the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) questionnaire was completed three times, starting 3 days before their night duties until 3 days after completion of their night duties. For comparison, seven nurses with regular shifts completed a 3-day voiding diary and the OABSS questionnaire.ResultsFemale nurses working rotational shifts had lower overall urine production and had decreased urination frequency and nocturia than female nurses working regular shifts, even when the nurses who worked rotational shifts had a regular night's sleep for at least 7 days. Upon reinitiation of night duty, overall urine production increased significantly, with no significant changes in urgency and frequency. When these nurses returned to daytime duty, the volume of urine decreased but nocturnal urine production remained high, and the incidence of nocturia also increased significantly. However, the effects on OABSS score were not significant under the study design used.ConclusionsLong-term rotational shifts resulted in adaptive changes such as decreased urine production and frequency in healthy, young female nurses. In addition, their micturition patterns were significantly affected by abrupt changes in their work schedules. Although working in shifts did not increase urgency or frequency of urination in healthy, young female nurses working rotational shifts for an average 2 years, large-scale studies are needed to systematically analyze the influence of shift work timings on micturition in humans.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of an exercise program on muscle strength, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), health perception, and depression among post-stroke elders. Methods: Nonequivalent control group design with pretest and posttest was used. A total of 23 post-stroke elders who met inclusion criteria were recruited. Muscle strength in upper and lower extremities, ADL, health perception, and self-rated symptoms of depression were measured. The exercise program consisted of deep breathing, range of motion, and muscle strengthening exercises using Thera-band, 30~40 min/day, three days a week, for 12 weeks. Results: Muscle strength of right shoulder (U=11.50, p=.001), right leg (U=13.50, p=.002), and health perception (U=24.00, p=.010) in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the control group at 12 weeks of post-intervention. Depression scores were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group at 6 weeks (U=28.00, p=.021), at 12 weeks (U=22.00, p=.006) of an exercise program. Conclusion: By applying this program, post-stroke elders showed increases in muscle strength and a decrease in depression as well as improvement of health perception. Further study is needed to verify the effects of the exercise program on cardiovascular physiologic variables through long-term follow-up.