Investigation of the Relationship of Urinary Incontinence Symptoms with Activities of Daily Living in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common symptom for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that negatively impacts daily activities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between UI symptoms and the ability to perform daily activities in individuals diagnosed with MS. Materials and Methods: The study included 45 participants diagnosed with MS and UI, with a mean age of 42.06±1.42. Participant data were collected through an online platform, Google Forms. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used to assess UI symptoms, while the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) was used to evaluate the impact on daily life activities. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the ICIQ-SF and IIQ-7 subscales (physical activity, social activity, social relationships, and emotional health) and the total score. Results: 26.7% of the participants urinated more than 8 times a day. The proportion of individuals who were unaware of bladder diaries was 75.6%, and 44.4% had difficulty initiating urination. A strong correlation was found between the ICIQ-SF and IIQ-7 physical activity, social activity subscales, and total score (rho=0.64, p<0.001; rho=0.53, p<0.001; rho=0.56, p<0.001). A moderate correlation was found between the social relationships and emotional health subscales (rho=0.45, p=0.002; rho=0.38, p=0.009). Conclusion: Considering the negative impact of UI symptoms on the daily activities of individuals with MS, it is important to conduct a comprehensive assessment of UI and include individuals with MS in a tailored rehabilitation program based on the severity, type, and frequency of UI.