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Functional impairment as a risk factor for urinary incontinence among older Americans
Author(s) -
Jenkins Kristi Rahrig,
Fultz Nancy H.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.20089
Subject(s) - medicine , functional impairment , urinary incontinence , psychological intervention , odds ratio , risk factor , odds , logistic regression , gerontology , surgery , psychiatry
Aims Using a large nationally representative sample of older Americans we investigate four domains of functional impairment as possible risk factors for the subsequent development of urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms. Methods Data from three waves (1993, 1995, 1998) of the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) survey were used to model the effects of functional impairment on the onset of UI symptoms. Results A greater number of serious chronic conditions and functional impairment in the lower body mobility domain increased the odds of the onset of mild UI (vs. remaining continent). Factors that contributed to greater odds of the onset of severe UI (vs. remaining continent) were older age, being represented by a proxy respondent, and functional impairment in the strength domain. Conclusions Understanding the possible relationship between functional impairment and UI is an important step toward developing appropriate interventions for the prevention, treatment, or management of urine loss. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.