Vulnerability to Stress and Quality of Life of Women with Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Female urinary incontinence is a common condition with a relevant impact in the quality of life. The treatment is now possible for a significant number of cases. The purpose of this study is identify the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence and analise the influence of vulnerability to stress and the impact of incontinence on quality of life. This is an exploratory and correlational study, with 200 participants suffering from incontinence who reported urine loss at least once a week in the previous 3 months. The data collection protocol was a questionnaire which allowed for the socio-demographic characterization of the sample. It included the scales of impact of urinary incontinence (UCIQ-SF), KHQ and vulnerability to stress (23 QVS). The average age is 58.42 years (sd = 11.52). The sample presents a moderate quality of life in all areas. Predictor factors of overall quality of life are urge urinary incontinence, the dramatization of existence and deprivation of affection and rejection concerning the vulnerability to stress. Given the results, it is important to alert the female population for the prevention of urinary incontinence, due to the negative impact on quality of life and as a limiting factor in the activities of daily living.