The Urinary incontinence and its associated factors in physically active elderly women

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aging brings physiological changes, including loss of muscle strength and challenges such as urinary incontinence (UI) in the elderly. UI, defined as the involuntary loss of urine, can result from several factors, such as childbirth, obesity and perineal muscular atrophy. The classification includes types such as stress UI, common in menopause. Many affected elderly women avoid discussing the topic, impacting their lifestyle. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its associated factors in physically active elderly women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was basic, transversal, prospective, qualitative-quantitative, descriptive, exploratory in nature. Using a sociodemographic questionnaire, anthropometric measurements were measured using the Muscular Mass Index. Also used was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form (ICIQ-SF), a questionnaire to quantify and classify urinary loss, and the King Health Questionnaire to measure the impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life of elderly women. RESULTS: The research involved 30 physically active elderly women, with an average age of 69.76 ± 7.17 years. The predominant associated factors were chronic diseases, overweight, and natural birth. Regarding the classification of urinary loss, the predominant type was stress urinary incontinence, and the impact was not significant on quality for the sample studied. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the main factors for urinary incontinence in elderly women include overweight, multiparity and hypertension. The need to overcome taboos and promote knowledge about urinary incontinence is highlighted, emphasizing the role of physiotherapy.

Key Words:  Elderly; Urinary Incontinence; Quality of life.