Psycosoical Dilemma in Urinary Incontinent Patients

Abstract

Background: Urinary incontinence leaves the sufferer with physical and psychological stresses. Majority of the cases are caused by an underlying treatable condition however the it is under reported to medical care providers. The objective of this study was to explore the psychosocial impacts of urinary incontinence and assess quality of life in patients with urinary incontinence in Pakistan. Methods: This study was conducted at five tertiary care hospitals in the city of Karachi during January 2013 to December 2013. Self-administered questionnaire was prepared and adjusted according to the local social dynamics of the community based on ‘Incontinence Impact Questionnaire’ and ‘The Kings Health questionnaire’. Inclusion criteria included urinary incontinent patients visiting outpatient departments. Results: The study comprised of 280 participants with a response rate of 80%.  Overall 89 males and 191 females participated. Majority of the sample population (40.7%) believed that the

weak anatomy was the etiology of their Urinary Incontinence. More than 40 % of the participants declared that they would rate ‘the fear that an embarrassing condition could arise in result of their disease’ as ‘Moderate’ followed by 38.2% as ‘Highly’. 39.64% stated that their social life including interaction with people was ‘Moderately’ affected and 21.7% believed that they their social interaction was ‘highly’ limited. Regarding travel, majority of the participants asserted that their travel has been restricted to a great extent and rated as Highly (30.7%) or Moderate (29.6%). In total 28.5 % patients stated that their exercise schedule had been ‘Moderately’ affected as a consequence of their disease.

Conclusion: Patients with urinary incontinence should be heard comprehensively by the care providers. Coping techniques for patients and education regarding Urinary incontinence should be provided by the medical practitioner to the sufferers.