Objective:

To determine the frequency, risk factors, and impact on quality of life of urinary incontinence in older women.

Materials and Methods:

An analytic, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of women over 60 years of age. Sociodemographic, gynecologic/obstetric, and lifestyle variables, were collected, along with clinical histories, and the patients answered the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF).

Results:

Ninety-six women were included in the study and their mean age was 71 ±0.66 years. Of the study participants, 56.25% presented with urinary incontinence. A total of 37.04% had urge incontinence, 33.33% presented with stress incontinence, 16.67% had mixed incontinence, and 13% of the cases of incontinence were unclassifiable. The variables associated with urinary incontinence were: number of births (p=0.027), having had 3 or more children (p=0.032), and diabetes mellitus (p=0.028). Mixed urinary incontinence was the type that was most associated with compromised quality of life (p<0.001).

Limitations and implications:

The study was conducted utilizing self-applied questionnaires. The sample was recruited from an educational program for older adults with a middle-to-high socioeconomic status.

Originality:

The study was conducted in Yucatán, Mexico, and no previous descriptive studies on incontinence have been carried out on that population.

Discussion and conclusions:

Urinary incontinence affected more than half of the women studied, with compromised quality of life classified as moderate. A high number of deliveries was the most outstanding risk factor.