Urinary incontinence as a hidden driver of mental health, falls, and frailty in community-dwelling older adults

Authors : Sultan Keskin Demircan, Zeynep Ece Aytar, Gülşah Börekçi Semiz
Pages : 320-328
Doi:10.29058/mjwbs.1622756
View : 67 | Download : 69
Publication Date : 2025-12-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: Urinary incontinence is common in older adults, significantly reducing quality of life and contributing to adverse health outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of urinary incontinence on prevalent geriatric syndromes and gender-specific differences. Material and Methods: The study included 576 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years without dementia, neurological diseases, or active infections. Data were obtained retrospectively from comprehensive geriatric assessments. Frailty was assessed using Fried criteria, depression via the Geriatric Depression Scale, with additional evaluations including daily activity levels, gait speed, falls history in last year, and insomnia complaints. Results: Urinary incontinence was reported in 322 participants (55.91%). Mean age was 69.82±6.39 years. Urinary incontinence was significantly associated with female gender, obesity, frailty, reduced gait speed, depression, fall, insomnia, and diabetes (p<0.001, p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.019, respectively). Women with urinary incontinence had higher rates of obesity, depression, reduced gait speed, and frailty than men with urinary incontinence (p=0.013, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that urinary incontinence increased the likelihood of depression (OR: 1.59; CI: 1.06–2.38; p=0.024), insomnia (OR: 2.12; CI: 1.39–3.18; p<0.001), falls (OR: 2.10; CI: 1.39–3.17; p<0.001), and frailty (OR: 2.42; CI: 1.66–3.54; p<0.001). Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent among older adults, particularly women, and strongly linked to depression, insomnia, frailty, and falls. Women with urinary incontinence are more likely to experience depression and frailty compared to men, despite similar rates of insomnia and falls. Routine screening and management of urinary incontinence are critical to addressing its physical and psychological impacts.
Keywords : Üriner inkontinans, depresyon, insomnia, düşme, kırılganlık

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