Urinary Incontinence among older Mexican American men: Risk factors and psycho-social consequences

• Published in: Journal of immigrant and minority health 2011-12, Vol.13 (6), p.1110-1115
• Main Authors: Gerst, K., Ray, L.A., Samper-Ternent, R, Espino, D.V, Markides, K.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1557-1912; 1557-1920
• DOI: 10.1007/s10903-010-9383-z

Extant literature on Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI) focuses on women and non-Hispanic White and little is known about ethnic minority men. We analyzed 700 Mexican-American men aged 75 and older from the fifth Wave (2004/5) of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemologic Study of the Elderly. Logistic regression analyses examined risk factors for self-reported UUI and the impact of UUI on mental health and social support. Twenty-nine percent reported having difficulty holding their urine until they could get to a toilet. Men with more co-morbid conditionsand men with prostate problems were more likely to report UUI symptoms. Men with UUI were less likely to report having a confidant and had a higher risk of high depressive symptoms. This study is the first to examine risk factors for and consequences of self-reported UUI among older Mexican-American men using a large community-based survey.