Prevalence, impact on quality of life and variables associated with urinary incontinence in a hospitalization unit

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Urinary Incontinence (UI) in a hospitalization unit. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study, with patients in a hospitalization unit in Ferrol. The prevalence, the type of UI, the UI assessment and the impact of UI on daily life were estimated with the questionnaires: IU-4 (by sex), the severity tool ICIQ-SF and the I/O. RESULTS: 302 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of UI was 41.4%. Regarding the type of incontinence, 35% suffer stress UI, 27% urge UI, 14.6% mixed UI, 8.8% functional UI and 2.2% Reflex UI. We can affirm that being a woman is a risk factor for UI [p<0.001; OR 5.0-95% CI (2.8-8.9)] On the other hand, medium physical activity is objectified as a protective factor to suffer UI (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The impact on the quality of life of the UI is high. Establishing more real data of predictive factors may help to identify patients. Using standardized methods of study such as validated questionnaires when assessing our patients is also of interest. The need to manage UI should be reinforced as a priority for nursing professionals, not only during hospital admissions, but also at the community level or in emergencies, due to the high prevalence described.