The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence among Women with Chronic Physical Diseases and their Coping Behaviours: A Turkish Case Study

Abstract

Objective: The study was conducted with the aim of identifying the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among women with chronic physical diseases and the coping behaviours of women suffering from UI in Turkey. Design: A cross-sectional and comparative study Setting: The study was conducted at the general internal medicine, endocrinology, cardiology, neurology, and pulmonology clinics of the Cumhuriyet University Research and Implement Hospital, Turkey. Subjects: Two hundred and fifty-seven female inpatients Main Outcome Measure: The relevant data were collected through the use of a patient diagnosis form, the International Incontinence Consultation Questionnaire - Short Form, and the coping behaviours identification form. Results: The rates of the women who experienced UI at least once a week was 78.9%. Only 54.6% of women with UI applied at a healthcare institution for UI-related complaints. The most common coping behaviours observed among the women with UI include working around the condition by using a pad or rag (77.3%), keeping feet warm (62.6%), and changing underwear (59.6%). Conclusion: Turkish women with chronic physical diseases were identified to suffer more frequently from urinary incontinence than women in other cultures. As a finding similar to other cultures, Turkish women were observed to employ such personal behaviours as using pads or rags, keeping feet warm, and changing underwear to cope with UI. Health professionals should check for and treat UI in addition to chronic disease management.