Aims and objectives: To study the prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence in a Swiss nursing home population at admission and at six, 12, 18 and 24 months after admission.
Background: No prevalence data for urinary incontinence in people older than 65 years living in nursing homes are available in Switzerland and other German-speaking parts of Europe. Prevalence of urinary incontinence elsewhere varies between 49% and 77%.
Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the data of the minimum data set of the Resident Assessment Instrument 2.0 in which 2719 residents were assessed. Prevalence rates and incidence were calculated at admission and at six, 12, 18 and 24 months after admission. Special focus was placed on sex- and age-related differences.
Results: Prevalence of urinary incontinence was 51.5% (men 51.4%, women 51.5%) and was found to rise with increasing age. At the time of admission, 37% (men 43%, women 34%) were urinary incontinent. The prevalence increased from admission to 24 months after admission.
Conclusion: The high prevalence rates indicate the relevance of the problem for residents and caregivers alike. Early identification of individuals likely to become incontinent is crucial in the development of interventions and the prevention of urinary incontinence in this vulnerable population.
Relevance to clinical practice: The study provides valuable data about the extent of the problem of urinary incontinence in nursing homes.