Objectives

To describe the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and urinary incontinence (UI) in older women (≥ 65) living in residential care facilities (RCFs).

Design

Cross-sectional, retrospective survey of a population-based sample, the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities (NSRCF).

Setting

United States.

Participants

Participants in the 2010 NSRCF (N = 8,094).

Measurements

Sociodemographic and health indicators associated with UI.

Results

Data from 4,930 women were available for analysis, 44.6% of whom had UI. Statistically significant differences were found between the samples of continent women and incontinent women in marital status (P = .001), educational level (P = .04), and length of stay (P = .03). Significant differences were also found between continent and incontinent women in activity of daily living (ADL) scores (P < .001), overall health status (P < .001), and comorbidities (P < .001). The strongest association was severe impairment in ADLs (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 21.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 16.07-29.01), followed by moderate impairment in ADLs (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 2.61-4.44).

Conclusion

UI is highly prevalent in older women residing in RCFs and is associated with severe impairment in ADLs. A comprehensive assessment including physical function status or early detection in physically functional impairment in RCFs is suggested to prevent or delay onset of or improve existing UI.