Urinary incontinence in nursing home residents: a cross-national comparison.

BACKGROUND using data from a cross-national data base we report the prevalence 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 countries. RESULTS urinary incontinence is highly prevalent (43-65%) in the seven countries studied. Dependency in ambulating, cognitive impairment and urinary tract infections are significantly associated with urinary incontinence in nursing home populations in most countries. Large cross-country differences are observed in the percentage of elderly undergoing incontinence-related testing and in the percentage of residents using appliances and programmes to treat or prevent incontinence. CONCLUSION this study of different cultural approaches and strategies to evaluate and treat urinary incontinence may stimulate a public debate on the quality of care in nursing homes and promote the sharing of care practices designed to reduce urinary incontinence.