Classification of incontinence

Impact of neurological problems on urinary continence

Nurses care for patients with neurological problems in many health-care settings. Urinary incontinence frequently occurs in patients with neurological disorders and can be a source of great distress. One study of patients with chronic neurological problems aged 15-59 years revealed that 83% of the 117 men and 36% of the 188 women surveyed had urinary symptoms (Thomas et al, 1988). This article reviews the ways in which continence is affected in this client group and suggests how nurses can help these patients.

Handicaps associated with incontinence: implications for management

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The aim was to explore the relationship between dementia, impairment of mobility, and incontinence and the implications for management.

DESIGN

The study was a survey of a sample population drawn from a general practice register.

SETTING

A large general practice serving the entire population of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 1329 persons aged 75 or over, 1203 (90%) took part in the survey. Of non-responders, refusers accounted for 5%, deaths 4%, and failure to trace 1%.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

12% of the population complained of incontinence. No more than 24% of these cases were demented. Dementia and isolated locomotor problems were significantly associated with presence of incontinence, but 31% of cases were completely free of either problem. A minimum estimate of 56% of cases of incontinence were considered to be due to local physical disorders of the bladder.

CONCLUSIONS

A search for local disorders causing incontinence is important, and more attention should be paid to the management of locomotor problems and possibly depression in the relief of incontinence.