Urinary Incontinence Awareness and Health Literacy in Elderly Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors : Pelin Çelik, Mukadder Mollaoğlu
Pages : 193-202
Doi:10.47141/geriatrik.1683773
View : 102 | Download : 147
Publication Date : 2025-12-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: To investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence awareness and health literacy in elderly patients aged 65 years and older who presented to the emergency department. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 202 patients over 65 years of age who applied to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital between July and September 2024. Patient Introduction Form, Urinary Incontinence Awareness Scale and Health Literacy Scale were used to collect the data. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis Test, t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation tests were used to analyse the data. Results: The total score of the health literacy scale of the elderly was 63.01±21.85 and it was determined that their health literacy level was inadequate. The majority (72.3%) of the elderly who participated in the study had urinary incontinence. The mean scores of accepting urinary incontinence as a health problem (26.37±5.44) and health motivation (13.15±3.40) sub-dimensions were found to be poor, while the mean scores of coping with urinary incontinence (18.53±3.98), restriction (9.88±2.47) and fear of urinary incontinence (12.07±3.03) sub-dimensions were found to be moderate. Conclusion: Health literacy levels are important for the elderly to realise that urinary incontinence is a reversible condition and to seek treatment. Emergency departments are important in determining the incontinence awareness and health literacy of elderly patients who frequently present, and in ensuring that they receive correct guidance and assistance.
Keywords : Üriner İnkontinans, Sağlık Okuryazarlığı, Acil Servis, Yaşlı Hasta

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