Population Based Study of Incidence and Predictors of Urinary Incontinence in Black and White Older Adults

Abstract

To determine incidence and predictors of incident urinary incontinence over 3 years in community-dwelling older adults. A population-based, prospective cohort study was conducted with a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, stratified to be 50% African American, 50% men, and 50% rural. In-home baseline assessment included standardized questionnaires and short physical performance battery. Three annual follow-up interviews were conducted by telephone. Incontinence was defined as any degree of incontinence occurring at least once a month in the past 6 months. Participants were 490 women and 496 men, age 65 to 106 years (mean=75 years). Prevalence of incontinence at baseline was 41% in women and 27% in men. Three-year incidence of incontinence was 29% (84/290) in women and 24% (86/363) in men. There were no differences by race in prevalent or incident incontinence. In multivariable logistic regression models for women, significant independent baseline predictors of new incontinence included: stroke (OR 3.4, p=.011), incontinence < monthly (OR 3.3, p=.001), past or current post-menopausal estrogen (OR 2.3, p<.006), slower time to stand from a chair 5 times (OR 1.3, p<.045), and higher Geriatric Depression Scale Score (OR 1.2, p=.016). For men, significant independent baseline predictors of new incontinence included: incontinence < monthly (OR 4.2, p<.001) and lower score on the composite Physical Performance Score (OR 1.2, p<.001). Prevalence of incontinence among community-dwelling older adults was high with an additional 29% of women and 24% of men reporting incident incontinence over 3 years of follow-up. Infrequent incontinence is a strong risk factor for developing at least monthly incontinence in both men and women.