Differences between Older Chinese Men and Women from Hong Kong in the Impact of Urinary Incontinence on their Lives

Abstract

This study reports the epidemiology of urinary incontinence (UI) and its impact on the social lives of older Chinese people in Hong Kong, a modern city in China. It also examines the relationship between sex and this impact, as well as the extent of UI in a convenience sample of 101 sufferers aged 60 or older. This study was cross-sectional and used face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire. A number of findings concur with studies conducted in Western countries. Prevalence of UI increased with adult age, and it affected women more than men. UI had a negative impact on 86.1% of the incontinent respondents. There were no significant differences between men and women in the duration of UI, the level of UI, or health status. Out of the nine impacts on social lives, only one showed a significant difference between older men and women: "restriction on opportunities to participate in social activities." Statistically, men tended to report more negative impacts than women. More than 80% of the respondents were affected by their UI. The impact of UI on social lives was basically the same for men and women, though men reported significantly more social impacts than did women. However, this study does not support the claim that the social life of those who reported more social impacts was worse than that of those who reported fewer.

Mediating effect of decline in social activities on urinary incontinence and negative mood: Do sex and marital differences exist?

“…Compared with the male–other group, married older men might be more likely to feel shameful about incontinence, as their spouse might find out and have to deal with it, and thus experience a decline in social participation. This finding supported previous evidence that a sex difference exists in the impact of UI on social participation, and further detected a marital status difference …”

“…UI can restrict patients’ participation in social activities . Because of frequent urination, and feelings of humiliation and embarrassment, incontinent patients tend to avoid social gatherings, visiting friends, travel and participation in other social activities .…”

“…This withdrawal from social participation can lead to social isolation, employment challenges, anxiety, depression and poor life quality . One study showed that compared with older women, older Chinese men reported more restrictive effects of UI on social participation …”

Quality of life of women with urinary incontinence in rehabilitation treatment

“…Riss and Kargl (2011) found a connection between UI and QoL identifying three problematic areas: daily life, recreational activities, and sex life. In addition, research has shown a decrease in social participation (Lee, 2009), physical health (Mishra et al, 2009), emotional health (Miu et al, 2010), and lower scores on QoL measures (Aguilar-Navarro et al, 2012;Cheater et al, 2008;DuBeau et al, 1998DuBeau et al, , 2006Dugan et al, 1998;Hawkins et al, 2011).…”

“…Having a UI may have several adverse effects on a person’s social life (Hayder and Schnepp, 2010; Lee, 2009; Miu et al, 2010) since women limit social activities due to the possible shame and fear associated with leaving the house (Hayder and Schnepp, 2010; Miu et al, 2010). Hagglund and Wadensten (2007) found altered sexual relationships and a need for distancing in the women’s narratives.…”