URINARY-INCONTINENCE IN NURSING-HOME RESIDENTS - A CROSS-NATIONAL COMPARISON

Background: using data from a cross-national data base we report the p revalence 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 countri es. Results: urinary incontinence is highly prevalent (43-65%) in-the seven countries studied. Dependency in ambulating, cognitive impairmen t and urinary tract infections are significantly associated with urina ry incontinence in nursing home populations in most countries. Large c ross-country differences are observed in the percentage of elderly und ergoing incontinence-related testing and in the percentage of resident s using appliances and programmes to treat or prevent incontinence. Co nclusion: this study of different cultural approaches and strategies t o evaluate and treat urinary incontinence may stimulate a public debat e on the quality of care in nursing homes and promote the sharing of c are practices designed to reduce urinary incontinence.