Effect of Selective Behavioral Therapy on Stress Urinary Incontinence and Self-esteem among Institutionalized Elderly Women

Abstract

Stress urinary incontinence is an ignored health problem among elderly women. Aim: Toevaluate the effect of selective behavioral therapy on stress urinary incontinence and self-esteem among institutionalized elderly women. A quasi-experimental research Design was utilized on a purposive Sample of 50 elderly women residing in three geriatric homes at Minia Governorate, Egypt. Tools: A Structured questionnaire sheet and three scales (Body Mass Index, Revised Urinary Incontinence,and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scales) were utilized. Results: The mean value of stress urinary incontinence severity declined to (4.30+3.38) after 12 weeks of behavioral training sessions compared with (8.20+5.21) before, besides, the mean score of self-esteem among the studied sample was elevated to (15.48±5.75) at posttest with highly statistically significant differences between pre and posttests (p=.000). A negative correlation was found between the severity of stress urinary incontinence and self-esteem. Conclusion: The application of selective behavioral therapy included (Kegel exercise and toilet training) was effective in reducing the severity of SUI and consequently, elevation of self-esteem among institutionalized elderly women. Recommendations: Behavioral training sessions are recommended to be offered regularly for geriatric residents to improve their self-esteem by controlling stress urinary incontinence.