Research of urinary incontinence and depression among aged female patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the prevalence and relationship of urinary incontinence and depression among elderly female patients. Methods A total of 118 female patients older than 60 years old were interviewed face to face. The prevalence of urinary incontinence and depression were estimated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form-Chinese (ICIQ-SF-Chinese) and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15). Linear regression and Spearman correlation were used to identify the relationship between urinary incontinence and depression. Results Urinary incontinence was found in 27.1% (32/118), and depression was in 39.0% (46/118) of the survey population. Urinary incontinence with depression was found in 13.6% (16/118) of the overall population. Urinary incontinence was positively correlated with depression, r=0.211, P<0.05. The frequency of entertainment and urinary incontinence were significantly related to depression symptoms, P<0.05. Conclusions Urinary incontinence appears to possess an additive effect on incidence of depression, which seriously affects both physical and mental health of patients. Clinicians should give patients health education and intervention measures at early stage. Key words: Aged; Urinary incontinence; Depression; Female