Urinary incontinence is strongly associated with depression in middle-aged and older Korean women: Data from the Korean longitudinal study of ageing

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence (UI) and depression in middle-aged and older Korean women. Study designA total of 1116 participants diagnosed with UI among 7486 respondents were included in this study, using data from a well-established survey that investigated a nationally representative population: the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). Computer-assisted personal interviewing was used to assess the status of UI and depression. Depression was assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D 10) scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for depression were adjusted for age, household income level, marital status, education level, working status, smoking behavior, alcohol drinking behavior, exercise level, residence, and accompanying chronic diseases. ResultsThe proportion of patients with depression was significantly higher among women with UI (9.1%) than among women without UI (6.3%) (P<0.0001). The depression scores became worse with worsening UI symptoms (OR of better vs. same vs. worse, 1.00 vs. 1.51 vs. 2.15, respectively; P for trend=0.0001), with an increased number of days experiencing UI during the prior month during the 2 years of the panel study period (OR of none vs. 1≤days≤10days vs. 10days<were 1.00 vs. 2.15 vs. 4.36; P for trend=0.003). ConclusionsInadequately controlled and frequent UI is strongly associated with depression in middle-aged and older Korean women. The management of worsening UI may be of value as part of the assessment and management of depression.