THE EFFECT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction on the quality of life among women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methodology: The descriptive study included 60 women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The data were collected through a questionnaire forms designed by the researchers, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale and Short Items Form of Health-Related Quality of Life. Chi-square, t and ANOVA test were used. Results: Almost half of the women had urinary incontinence problem and 63.0 % did not visit the doctor. It was determined that the urinary incontinence was higher in women, who were over 45 years old, married and had children, and diagnosed for 6 years and more (p<0.05). Twenty-eight point three percent (28.3%) of the MS women had sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: It was determined that women with urinary incontinence had a lower quality of life and more sexual dysfunction.