Effect of urinary incontinence on the quality of life of asthmatic women

Abstract

Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) has been associated with chronic respiratory symptoms, and it affects quality of life. This study evaluated the quality of life of asthmatic patients from the Assistance Program for Asthmatic Patients (PAPA) with and without UI. Methods: This is an analytical descriptive cross-sectional study using a sample of 358 women with asthma. Data were collected via the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire-Simplified Form (ICIQ-SF), Quality of Life in Asthma Questionnaire (QLAQ-ASTHMA) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results: We found a general prevalence of UI of 55.3%. Overall quality of life scores in the SF-36 and QLAQ-ASTHMA were not related to the presence of UI. However, the amount of urine lost was significantly correlated with the subdomains physical aspects, general health, social functioning and mental health of the SF-36 and with socioeconomic and psychosocial domains of the QLAQ-ASTHMA. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence may affect a large proportion of older women with asthma. This study demonstrates the importance of routinely evaluating the occurrence of UI in order to improve the quality of life of asthmatic patients.