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Background
Keywords
Findings
Authors
What is already known on this subject?
What does this study add?

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Background

Urinary incontinence (UI), a prevalent condition among seniors, can have substantial impacts on quality of life.

Data and Methods

Data from the 2008/2009 Canadian Community Health Survey-Healthy Aging were used to examine the prevalence of UI, as well as the relationship between UI and loneliness in a sample of 16,369 people aged 65 or older. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify significant relationships, while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

In 2008/2009, an estimated 512,000 seniors reported that they experienced UI.  Women were more likely than men to have this complaint (14% versus 9%), as were older seniors. Those with UI were significantly more likely to be lonely than were those without the condition (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.5 to 2.0). This association persisted when socio-demographic, social and functional health factors were taken into account (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.7).

Interpretation

This study highlights the prevalence of UI among Canadian seniors and its correlation with loneliness, which, itself, is associated with negative health outcomes. Further research is needed to establish exactly how UI has an impact on seniors' feelings of loneliness.

Keywords

Aging, chronic conditions, cross-sectional study, health survey, social participation, quality of life.

Findings

Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as involuntary leakage of urine, is associated with reduced quality of life for seniors. Although not life-threatening, UI can have a negative impact on physical, social, and emotional well-being, and add to personal care expenses. People with UI are susceptible to rashes, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections. They may be less likely to engage in activities outside the home such as shopping or attending religious services. Intimate relations and psychological well-being may also be compromised. UI can be associated with a loss of independence, hospitalization, and admission to long-term care health facilities, all of which reflect the caregiver burden associated with the condition. The need for home care services, medication and other products may add to personal care expenses. [Full Text]

Authors

Pamela L. Ramage-Morin (613-951-1760; pamela.ramage-morin@statcan.gc.ca) and Heather Gilmour (613-951-2114; heather.gilmour@statcan.gc.ca) are with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6.