Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Psychological Well-being and Quality Of Life among Elderly People

Background: Urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent health problem among elderly
people with a relevant impact on physical and psychological aspects of life with consequent
effect on the quality of life. Aim: Study aimed to assess the impact of urinary incontinence on
psychological well-being and quality of life among elderly people. Research design: A
descriptive design was utilized to fulfill the aim of this study. Setting: The study was conducted
in Urological outpatient clinic at Benha University Hospital at Benha City, Kaluobia
Governorate. Sample: The sample of the study was purposive sample of (100) elderly people
who are attending at the above mentioned settings. Tools: Tool (I):- A structured interviewing
questionnaire sheet which comprised of two parts: part (1) socio-demographic characteristics
& part (2) clinical characteristics of the studied sample. Tool (II): Goldberg’s psychological
well-being scale, and Tool (III) Incontinence related quality of life scale. Results: Findings
showed that nearly two thirds of the studied sample had low level of psychological well-being
while, more than two thirds of them had low level of quality of life and also, there was a highly
statistically significant positive correlation between total Goldberg’s psychological well-being
Scale and total Incontinence-related quality of life scale. Conclusion: Based on the result of
this study it was concluded that urinary incontinence is a chronic disease that has a negative
impact on psychological well-being of elderly people which subsequently impacts negatively
on their quality of life in the form of performing activities of daily living and enjoying their
normal life. Recommendation: The study recommended that recurrent assessment for
psychological status and all quality of life domains for elderly people should be a part of the
routine nursing care.