Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms for Community-Dwelling Elderly 85 Years of Age and Older

Abstract

We sought to identify the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to evaluate the risk factors of community-dwelling South Korean elders for developing UI. We undertook a cross-sectional study based on interviews using a structured questionnaire. One hundred thirty-five community-dwelling elders, aged 85 years and older residing in 9 villages of Jeju Island, South Korea, were interviewed. Of 218 persons registered by the provincial government, interviews with 135 (62%) persons were completed. Between April 5, 2004 and May 31, 2004, a researcher or 1 of 3 research assistants visited each subject's home. The interview took approximately 40 minutes to complete. Data were recorded by a research assistant and interviews were performed by the primary investigator or research assistant. LUTS severity was assessed by the Korean version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (7 items), and 3 additional items that specifically queried Urinary Incontinence (UI). Cognitive function and depression were assessed using the Korean version of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) (13 items) and Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korean Version (GDSSF-K) (15 items). Forty-seven elderly (34.8%) reported UI more than once a week during the prior 12 months. Mixed UI symptoms were reported by 29 subjects (61.7%), pure urge UI symptoms by 16 (34.0%), and pure stress UI symptoms by 2 respondents (4.3%). The mean IPSS score of the subjects was 6.0 +/- 6.3 (range: 0-35). Risk factors for developing UI were moderate (odds ratio (OR) 17.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.87-45.30) and severe LUTS (OR 36.5; 95% CI 3.86-345.07) measured by the IPSS. UI was found to affect 34.8% (47) of the community-dwelling elders 85 years or older in this study and mixed UI symptoms were predominant. LUTS was associated with an increased risk of UI.