Prevalence of urinary incontinence and perception of impact on quality of life in institutionalized elderly

OBJECTIVE: Identify the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and perception of impact on quality of life in institutionalized elderly. METODHS: Observational, descriptive study, with a qualitative approach carried out through data collection, with the application of a questionnaire composed of Subject Characterization and application of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Sample of 37 elderly people aged 60 or over, integrated mental and cognitive health and residents of Long-Term Care Institutions in the South Zone of the city of São Paulo. The data were submitted to descriptive analysis. RESULTS: The average age of the elderly was 80 years, 33 women and 4 men. Of these, UI complaints are present in 26 elderly people (22 women and 4 men), reinforcing that UI is present in both sexes. In the ICIQ_SF score, it is observed that urinary loss compromises the quality of life of most of those who report this symptom (n = 17). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of Urinary Incontinence was found in institutionalized elderly people with severe impairment in the subjects' quality of life.