Prevalence and factors associated with urinary incontinence in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in Brazilian older adults is variable due to the methodological heterogeneity of available studies and investigating the factors associated with this condition can lead to an approach centered on the biopsychosocial model. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with UI in community-dwelling older adults. This is a population-based cross-sectional study with 496 community older adults enrolled in the Family Health Strategy of the Municipality of Alfenas, MG, Brazil. UI was identified from ICIQ-SF and its association with sociodemographic data, health-related habits and clinical and functional conditions was evaluated. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with UI. The prevalence of UI in the sample was 21%. The presence of multimorbidities (OR = 0.132; p = 0.007), higher BMI (OR = 1.055; p = 0.025), positive screening for depressive symptoms (OR = 0.417; p = 0.003) and worse performance on the TUG (OR = 1.056; p = 0.031) were associated with the presence of UI in community-dwelling older adults living in Alfenas, MG. The findings reinforce the need to carry out an assessment centered on the biopsychosocial model, considering all the factors which may influence the occurrence of UI in older adults.