Urinary incontinence in nursing home residents: a cross-national comparison

BACKGROUND: using data from a cross-national data base we report the prevalence of urinary incontinence in nursing home residents, describe the main factors associated with bladder incontinence, and compare the usage of incontinence-related tests and care practices across countries. RESULTS: urinary incontinence is highly prevalent (43-65%) in the seven countries studied. Dependency in ambulating, cognitive impairment and urinary tract infections are significantly associated with urinary incontinence in nursing home populations in most countries. Large cross-country differences are observed in the percentage of elderly undergoing incontinence-related testing and in the percentage of residents using appliances and programmes to treat or prevent incontinence. CONCLUSION: this study of different cultural approaches and strategies to evaluate and treat urinary incontinence may stimulate a public debate on the quality of care in nursing homes and promote the sharing of care practices designed to reduce urinary incontinence.