Abstract:
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) poses detrimental impacts on several domains of health. Nonetheless, there is paucity of empirical evidence on the experiences of older adults living with UI in Ghana. This study explored the experiences of older adults living with UI in the Bono Regional Hospital.
Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among seven purposively sampled adults aged 60 years and above who reported to the Urology Clinic of the Bono Regional Hospital. In-depth interview was conducted among the participants using a semi-structured interview guide. Braun and Clarke’s approach for thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.
Results: Data analysis revealed that UI negatively impacts the physical, psychological and social domains of life of older adults living with UI. Physical impacts of UI included general body discomfort and appearance, disturbed sleep pattern, dehydration and nutritional impairment, and impaired sexual function. Sense of worry, agony, and anxiety, and suicidal ideation, were the psychological impacts of UI experienced by the participants. Also, they experienced social impacts of UI such as impaired interpersonal interaction, limitations on traveling, and limitations on attending professional and social gathering. Nonetheless, participants coped with UI through self-encouragement and assurance, good personal hygiene, and lifestyle modification.
Conclusions: This study revealed several physical, psychological, and social impacts of UI on the wellbeing of older adults. There is the need to provide older adults with the necessary physical, psychosocial, and spiritual support to help them develop effective coping strategies to manage urinary incontinence.
