Open AccessAnatomical urinary stress incontinence in women with rheumatoid arthritis: Its frequency and coping strategies
Author(s) -
Adams Cara,
Lorish Chris,
Cushing Connie,
Willis Elisabeth,
Jackson James,
Walter Jane
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1790070209
Subject(s) - coping (psychology) , medicine , urinary incontinence , cognition , clinical psychology , physical therapy , population , stressor , rheumatoid arthritis , gerontology , psychiatry , surgery , environmental health
Objective. The objectives of this study were to develop a valid screening tool for anatomical urinary stress incontinence (AUSI), to use it to determine the frequency of AUSI in women with RA, and to identify the cognitive, behavioral, and psychological coping strategies used by these women to deal with incontinence. Methods. A screening tool concerning AUSI was validated by comparing self‐reported incidences of AUSI with clinical evaluation. Questionnaires regarding presence of AUSI and cognitive, behavioral, and psychological coping strategies were sent to 750 women clinically diagnosed with RA. Results. Of the 262 respondents (35% response rate), 21% had characteristics of AUSI, a rate similar to general population studies. Coping strategies varied depending on whether the women were at home or away from home and whether the women were alone or with others. Conclusions. There is a need for women with incontinence and the health care workers who serve them to be educated about AUSI and its treatments.