Urinary incontinence prevalence and management in nursing homes in Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom: A multi-site, cross-sectional study

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe and compare the prevalence rates of urinary incontinence as well as the management of urinary incontinence in the nursing home setting in Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of the 2017 and 2018 data from a multi-site, cross-sectional study which is performed annually in the nursing home setting in Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK. Results: A total of 23,334 nursing home residents was included in this study, most of whom were female. The urinary incontinence prevalence rates ranged from 13.8% in Turkey to 35.1% in Austria. In all countries, the most frequently used intervention for urinary incontinence management was the use of absorbent products and/or catheters (ranging from 81% in Turkey to 94.5% in Austria). The countries differed with regard to the methods used to assess the type of urinary incontinence, scheduled individual bathroom visits and medication evaluation. In the UK (77.1%), scheduled individual bathroom visits were a more frequent measure than in Austria (51.3%), the Netherlands (24.4%) and Turkey (10.2%). Conclusion: The most frequently used nursing intervention in all countries was the use of absorbent products and/or catheters. Future studies on the over- or misuse of these products are warranted. In order to avoid the over- or misuse of these products in the nursing home setting, the use of the evidence- and consensus-based algorithm provided by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (TM) is recommended.

Automated summary

This study describes and compares the prevalence rates and management of urinary incontinence in nursing homes in Austria, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the UK, finding differences in management methods among countries and suggesting further research on the appropriate use of incontinence products.