Urinary Incontinence: Impact on Working Women

Until recently, the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on working women, a population generally characterized as healthy, has not been the focus of research. Women employed full time at a large university center participated in a cross sectional survey about UI. Of the 1,113 women surveyed, age 18...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:AAOHN journal 2000-03, Vol.48 (3), p.112-118
Main Authors: Fitzgerald, Sheila T., Palmer, Mary H., Berry, Susan J., Hart, Kristin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Age
Age Distribution
Bladder
Chronic illnesses
Cost of Illness
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise
Female
Female employees
Humans
Information Services
Middle Aged
Nurses
Nursing
Obesity - complications
Occupational health
Occupational Health Nursing - methods
Population
Questionnaires
Self Care - methods
Self Care - psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Urinary incontinence
Urinary Incontinence - etiology
Urinary Incontinence - nursing
Urinary Incontinence - prevention & control
Urinary Incontinence - psychology
Urinary tract diseases
Urinary tract infections
Urine
Urogenital system
Women, Working - psychology
Womens health
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Summary:Until recently, the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on working women, a population generally characterized as healthy, has not been the focus of research. Women employed full time at a large university center participated in a cross sectional survey about UI. Of the 1,113 women surveyed, age 18 and older, 21 % (n = 232) reported UI at least monthly. Incontinent women were significantly older and had a higher body mass index than continent women. Using disposable products, limiting fluids, avoiding caffeinated beverages, using voiding schedules, and keeping extra clothes or underwear were strategies used to manage UI at work. Responses to an open ended question related to the impact of UI on working life included: interference with sleep and resulting fatigue at work, embarrassment, alteration of concentration, and emotional distress. Implications for nurses are discussed in relation to assessment, education, and management of UI in the occupational setting.
ISSN:2165-0799
0891-0162
2165-0969
DOI:10.1177/216507990004800301