Urinary incontinence is a very common condition in elderly in which there is involuntary leakage or loss of control of the urine that may have a profound impact on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of urinary incontinence on quality of life of elderly people. Research design: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: The study was conducted in urology outpatient clinics of Benha University Hospital, Health Insurance Hospital and Benha Teaching Hospital in Benha City. The sample of this study included all elderly who attended the urology outpatient clinics. The total number was 150 elderly (100 elderly from Health Insurance Hospital, 30 from Benha University Hospital and 20 from Benha Teaching Hospital). Tools: An interviewing questionnaire tool consisting of four parts was designed to collect data. First part: It was designed to assess sociodemographic data. Second part: It included a questionnaire to assess activities of daily living of elderly. Third part: It included questions to assess knowledge of elderly about urinary incontinence. Fourth part: It included questions to assess the psychosocial effect of urinary incontinence on the elderly Results: Urinary incontinence was more prevalent among females than males. More than half of them were illiterate and married. There were statistically significant relations between types of urinary incontinence problem and quality of life of elderly in all items of daily living activities. Recommendations: Health educational program should be given in all geriatric clinics about: early detection, treatment, causes, signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence. As well practicing of Kegel exercises and physical examination among elderly with urinary incontinence are highly recommended. |
