A Study on Urinary Incontinence Related Health Problems in Women above Middle Age in Rural Areas and Their Coping with the Problems

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the current urinary incontinence states in women above middle age dwelling in rural areas and their coping with the problems. METHODS: The participants were 261 women above middle age. Data were collected from February to May, 2012 using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed with the SPSS/WIN 20 program. RESULTS: The frequency of urinary incontinence in women above middle age was 45.4%. There were significant differences in urinary incontinence due to age, education, job status, frequency of delivery, and menstrual status. And, there were significant relations among urinary symptoms, difficulty of ADL, incontinence stress and depression. Frequently used coping-methods with urinary incontinence were washing frequently in order to avoid awful smell, paying attention to perineal cleaning, and going to restroom frequently. CONCLUSION: Community nurses who are in charge of primary health care ought to assess urinary incontinence and develop a urinary incontinence program that includes psychological and social factors.