Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence and Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence among Japanese Older Adults: Associations with Physical Activity, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Well-Being.

Noriaki Maeda,Makoto Komiya,Daigo Hirado,Rami Mizuta,Koichi Naito,Masanori Morikawa,Yuta Suzuki,Yukio Urabe,Taizan Shirakawa

doi:10.3390/ijerph18020360

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major social problem for older adults and leads to a decline in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health, and physical activity. This study assessed the prevalence and symptoms of UI among older adults discharged from the hospital in Japan and investigated the association of UI symptoms with physical activity, HRQoL, and subjective well-being (SWB). By an international consultation, the Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) that assesses UI severity, was developed. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess physical activity, HRQoL, SWB, and social demographic characteristics of the participants. In total, 145 participants (valid response rate, 48%; mean age, 78.6 ± 7.6 years) were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors associated with the presence of UI. Significant decreases in physical activity, HRQoL, and SWB were observed in patients with UI compared with those without UI (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, number of reported conditions, and decreased SWB were associated with UI (p < 0.05). UI was associated with less physical activity and decreased mental health status in older adults (especially decreased SWB). Health-promoting measures for older adults with UI are essential for maintaining their well-being and extending healthy life expectancy.

Highlights

The population of Japan is aging more rapidly than that of any other country, and there is an urgent need to address various health issues that are expected to arise in the aging society
The main finding of this study indicated that Urinary incontinence (UI) was related with age, diabetes mellitus, less physical activity, decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and decreased subjective wellbeing (SWB) in Japanese older adults discharged from the hospital, and that decreased mental health status was strongly associated with UI
Older adults with UI symptoms discharged from the hospital are significantly less physically active compared with those without UI symptoms, which significantly affects their HRQoL and SWB

Summary

Introduction

The population of Japan is aging more rapidly than that of any other country, and there is an urgent need to address various health issues that are expected to arise in the aging society. One of the health issues that needs to be addressed is the increasing proportion of people with pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse [1,2]. According to an epidemiological survey of men and women aged over 40 years in Japan, 41.7% were estimated to have UI symptoms [3]. Despite the prevalence of UI, many patients are reluctant to discuss their urinary symptoms or incontinence. The symptoms of UI, such as stress or urge UI, are often caused by functional impairment of the pelvic floor muscles. Previous studies have shown that pelvic floor muscle exercise

Results

Discussion

Conclusion