J Korean Acad Nurs.  2004 Jun;34(4):609-616.

Urinary Incontinence: Prevalence and Knowledge Among Community-Dwelling Korean Women Aged 55 and Over

• Kim JS
• Lee EH
• Park HC

Abstract

PURPOSE: The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among community-dwelling older women in Korea is not well known. This study examined the prevalence of UI and UI-related knowledge among community-dwelling Korean women aged 55 and over. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was conducted. Data were collected from 276 women aged 55 and over in a metropolitan city using a structured questionnaire. RESULT: Of 276 respondents, 28.3% (n = 78) reported experiencing UI. More than 50% of respondents incorrectly agreed with the statement that UI is the result of normal aging, with only 20.9% realizing that there is an exercise that can control urine leaks when one coughs, sneezes, or laughs. Older women who had sought treatment had higher mean score for UI-related knowledge. CONCLUSION: This study revealed substantial misconception about UI among community dwelling older women, demonstrating that comprehensive educational programs need to be developed to increase knowledge of UI.

Keyword

Urinary Incontinence; Older Women; Knowledge

MeSH Terms

Age Distribution
*Aged/psychology/statistics & numerical data
Aged, 80 and over
Aging
Attitude to Health
Cross-Sectional Studies
Educational Status
Exercise Therapy
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Korea/epidemiology
Middle Aged
Needs Assessment
Patient Education as Topic/*standards
Prevalence
Questionnaires
Residence Characteristics
Risk Factors
Self Care
Socioeconomic Factors
Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
*Urinary Incontinence/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control
Women/*education/psychology