Factors Affecting Urinary Incontinence-related Quality of Life in Geriatric Patients: An observational Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Hospital Urology Clinic in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Geriatric syndromes are associated with morbidity and poor quality of life (QOL). Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most prevalent geriatric syndromes. However, there is little research on the association of UI and UI-related QOL with other geriatric syndromes. The aim of this exploratory study were to examine the effect and coexistence of geriatric syndromes, admission type and surgical severity on UI-related QoL in patients hospitalized in the urology clinic. Materials and methods: This study was conducted among 250 older inpatients (aged 65 years and older between October 2019 and March 2020) at Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University department of Urology, Zonguldak, Turkey. After ethical approval and patient consent, we examined geriatric syndromes and related factors including cognitive impairment, delirium, depression, decreased mobility, multiple drug use, malnutrition, pain and fecal incontinence as well as hospitalization patterns and surgical severity of the patients. UI-related QOL was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate these associations. Results: Geriatric syndromes and related factors were associated with UI. Moderate cognitive decline (odds ratio [OR], 3.764; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.621- 8.742), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–5.05) and the number of medication used (odds ratio [OR], 1,33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.58) were associated with increased probability of having UI. Cognitive impairment, length of hospital stay had an inverse and age of patients had a direct effect on patients UI-related QoL. Conclusions: UI-related quality of life was associated with some factors. Especially in the urology clinic, evaluating the cognitive functions of elderly patients, reviewing the drugs they use and minimizing the length of stay in this patient group will contribute significantly to their quality of life.