Diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence in older patient

To review the various causes of urinary incontinence [UI] in elderly patients and to outline a therapeutic approach to the clinical management of UI. Online search of MEDLINE and additional references selected from the articles found during the search. All peer-reviewed articles and review articles listed on MEDLINE published between 1966 and 2006. Key search terms included urinary incontinence, geriatric, aging, pelvic floor rehabilitation and indwelling catheter. Articles with clinical relevance to the geriatric population were selected based on the robustness of the study and reviews. If applicable, data from studies of healthier or younger populations was extrapolated to the elderly population examined in the reviews. UI is a common occurrence among older adults treated in rehabilitation settings. The causes of UI in the elderly vary, including transient causes, established pathologic states of the urinary tract, and systemat ic multifactorial influences. Both behavioral and pharmacologic management strategies can successfully be implemented for UI, even in the frail elderly. UI can be effectively investigated and treated by rehabilitation practitioners by following a simple, stepwise approach

study of socioeconomic factors affecting the health of house maids in Lahore urban community

The aim of the study is to determine the socioeconomic factors affecting the health of house maids in the urban community of Lahore. This is a cross-sectional survey. The Study is conducted between July 1st, 2004 and July 20th, 2004 in Lahore. It was a community based survey, conducted in Lahore urban population. Convenient sampling methodology was used. 100 respondents were selected and interviewed to assess the socioeconomic factors affecting the health of house maids of Lahore urban community. The mean age of respondents was 32 years. 72% of the house maids earned less Rs. 1500, 30% had more than 6 children, 48% lived in villages while 75% were married. Also, 62% could not afford medicines, 55% were not content with their pay, 45% had previously suffered from a disease, 58% had unemployed husbands, 70% worked for 4 to 8 hours, 35% were the sole bread winner of their households while 76% worked as sweepers and only 39% were satisfied with their employers behaviour. The study reveals an area that needs attention. From the responses obtained, it was evident that low income, large family size, unemployment of husbands, poor housing and sanitation, long working hours, tough physical work, unhygienic practices and bad attitude of the employers were the principle socioeconomic factors posing a risk to the health of the house maids in the Lahore urban community