The Impact of Information on Health Behaviors of Older Adults with Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of education about urinary incontinence on the subsequent help-seeking behaviors of older adults. Forty-five community-dwelling seniors were randomized to two groups. One group received individualized instruction supported by written information, the other received written information alone. All participants received a list of local health care professionals specializing in the assessment and treatment of urinary incontinence. Seventeen participants sought professional help following the intervention; however, there was no significant difference in help-seeking behaviors between intervention groups, chi2 = 1.42, alpha = 0.05. The most common reasonfor lack of help-seeking postintervention was a preference for self-care. Eighty-eight percent of those who initiated self-help behaviors reported a subjective improvement in the frequency or volume of their incontinence. Results emphasize the important role registered nurses should play in the dissemination of complete and accurate information about urinary incontinence.