Effect of Urinary Incontinence on Quality of Life and Self Esteem of Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is the debilitating condition with impact on physical and psychological aspect of life with consequent effect on the quality of life (QoL). Aim of the study was to determine the effect of urinary incontinence (UI) on quality of life and self esteem of postmenopausal women. A descriptive design was adopted to fulfil the aim of this study. The study was conducted at obstetric & gynaecological outpatient clinic and Urological outpatient clinic at Benha University Hospital. A purposive sample of 75 postmenopausal women who had complain of UI attending gynaecological outpatient clinic and Urological outpatient clinic. Data were collected through three main tools Structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and Incontinence-related quality of life (I-QOL). The study Results showed that there were positive statistically significant correlation between total self esteem and total Incontinence-Related Quality of Life. Also there is no significant relation between Incontinence-Related Quality of Life and items of sociodemographic characteristics (age, occupation, and source of income). While there were significant relation between Incontinence-related quality of life and (marital status, and educational level). Based on the result of this study it was concluded that UI symptoms directly affect HRQoL, which subsequently impacts negatively on self steam .The present study Recommended that continuous assessment for all QOL domains for incontinent women should be a part of the nursing care. Further research is required to improve our understanding of psychological and economic impact of this condition.

The relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women

“…There have been few studies about the quality of life in postmenopausal women with different types of urinary incontinence. 9,26 Consistent with our results, some studies reported low quality of life scores in women with stress incontinence. 5,27 Although sample sizes were different, the results were similar and in line with the present one.…”

“…8 Also, its prevalence among postmenopausal women varies between 8% and 56%, depending on the type of study. 5 About 9%–39% of women >60 years report daily urine leakage 9 ; it is mainly due to thinning of the bladder mucosa and urethra because of estrogen deficiency in these women. 10…”

“…8 Also, its prevalence among postmenopausal women varies between 8% and 56%, depending on the type of study. 5 About 9%-39% of women >60 years report daily urine 9 ; it is mainly due to thinning of the bladder mucosa and urethra because of estrogen deficiency in these women. 10 Urinary incontinence has considerable psychological and social importance in postmenopausal women; the psychological response to this disorder is similar to depression.…”

The adaptation states of women with urinary incontinence according to the Roy Adaptation Model: A qualitative study

“…23 Incontinence is negatively affected by women's sexual function and relationships with their partners. 21,[24][25][26] Thus, women's low self-confidence feeling is increased. 24,25 Studies have been determined that increase in UI severity negatively affected the quality and frequency of sexual intercourse.…”

Experience of Iranian Women With Multiple Sclerosis About Urinary Dysfunctions Consequences: A Qualitative Study

“…In this study, women acknowledged that their self-confidence decreased with urinary dysfunctions aggravation. Urinary incontinence may lead to emotional distress, isolation from society, and decreased self-esteem in older women, because of the experience of incontinence in public and an unpleasant feeling of embarrassment due to wetness and the smell of urine [29,30].…”