Abstract
Abstract
Urinary incontinence is a common geriatric syndrome that affects the quality of life and is a contributing factor in functional deterioration. Generally, it is highly prevalent in people who are institutionalized. A conservative control of the pelvic “base” has proven to be effective, just as also lifestyle interventions and behavioral modification have proven to be an effective therapy for all types of urinary incontinence.
Objective
To evaluate the results of an integrated therapy program for all types of urinary incontinence in elderly persons attended at the Urinary Incontinence Unit of the National Geriatric and Gerontology Hospital.
Methods
An observational descriptive study was held, of a transversal type, based on a revision of nursing files and cards of older adults who attended the Urinary Incontinence Unit of the National Geriatric and Gerontology Hospital between January and December of 2015. We analyzed the following results of the variables: nictameter, severity of the IU based on frequency x quantity of the muscular strength of the pelvic (base) (Oxford Scale), evaluation of the quality of life and subjective improvement, at the beginning and the end of the treatment. We compared the percentages of patients who achieved improvement in each of the variables.
Results
One hundred twenty-nine older adults averaging 76.3 years old were studied, of which 96% were women. The most frequent form of presentation of urinary incontinence was the mixed urinary incontinence, followed by stress urinary incontinence, and finally by the urgency urinary incontinence. 59% (p < 0,001) achieved a normal miccional habit, according to the nictometer, 21% (p 0,001) were able to control their urination, 19% increased the muscular strength of the pelvic base (0.95 points on a scale of 0 to 5). 58.2% of the older adults showed good or excellent subjective improvement in their symptoms (p<0,001). The quality of their life showed improvement, obtaining an average of 5 points of diminishment in the effects (ICI-Q scale of 0 to 10 points, (p<0,05).
Conclusions
The conservative approach to integral therapy for elderly adults with urinary incontinence has shown good results, and therefore it should be recommended as a first option, before going to surgical treatment. Since muscular exercises can be learned by instruction, electrical stimulation is easily applied and has very little risk of leaving secondary effects.
Keywords: Urinary incontinence Elderly adult Geriatric syndrome
Electro-stimulation