Urinary Incontinence Significantly Impacts Seniors’ Quality of Life

Author: UnitedHealthcare
Published: 2011/06/11 - Updated: 2025/05/10
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Research, Study, Analysis
Topic: Aging Related Conditions - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This report, based on a peer-reviewed study published in Quality of Life Research, examines the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on the physical, mental, and social well-being of older adults. Surveying over 5,000 AARP Medicare Supplement plan enrollees, the study found that more than 35% reported experiencing UI, with its effects on quality of life surpassing those of chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Notably, UI was associated with significant declines in mental health, yet only half of those affected had discussed the issue with their doctors, and merely one-third had received treatment. The study also identified higher prevalence rates among women and individuals with obesity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Given its rigorous methodology and publication in a reputable journal, this research offers valuable insights for healthcare providers, caregivers, and policymakers aiming to improve the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

People 65 and over who suffer from urinary incontinence are encouraged to consult with their doctors to learn more about their treatment options. Americans 65 and over say that urinary incontinence affects their quality of life physically, mentally, and socially to a greater degree than diabetes, arthritis, and many other chronic conditions, according to a study by AARP Services, Inc., and UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company.

Main Item

The research appears in the June issue of Quality of Life Research.

The study, "The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence and its Burden on the Quality of Life among Older Adults with Medicare Supplement Insurance," surveyed 15,000 enrollees in AARP Medicare Supplement plans insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (for New York residents, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York) in 10 states.

Of the more than 5,000 respondents, more than 35 percent reported having urinary incontinence and, according to the study findings, the condition had a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. The surveys helped quantify respondents' average physical and mental component scores, measures commonly used to evaluate health-related quality of life. As a result, researchers found that urinary incontinence had a stronger influence on the quality of life than diabetes, arthritis, and some forms of cancer, particularly from a mental health standpoint.

The study also found that women and obese individuals are at greater risk of urinary incontinence and suggested that as baby boomers age, additional research is needed to determine which forms of incontinence are most responsive to prevention, early detection, and treatment opportunities.

Left untreated, urinary incontinence may become more problematic over time, increasing in severity. Symptoms depend on the type of urinary incontinence but can include a powerful urge to urinate, involuntary urination, and unexpected leakage.

"Urinary incontinence is generally thought of as a physical disability. It is clear from this study, however, that urinary incontinence affects the quality of life mentally and socially, as well as physically," said Dr. Richard J. Migliori, executive vice president, Business Initiatives and Clinical Affairs at UnitedHealth Group. "We believe this study highlights an opportunity for the health care system to develop treatment programs that can enhance both their physical and mental and emotional health."

"We have learned from this study that there are more ways we can help patients who suffer from urinary incontinence, as according to the data, only about half of those with urinary incontinence said they have spoken to their doctor about the problem, and only about one in three of them have received treatment for it," said Dr. Charlotte S. Yeh, chief medical officer, AARP Services, Inc. "We encourage people 65 and over who suffer from urinary incontinence to consult with their doctors and learn more about their treatment options."

This is the first in a series of research studies from the Health Care Transformation Diversity Initiative, which was created to evaluate the presence and nature of disparities in health care in AARP members who purchase Medicare Supplement plans (i.e., Medigap coverage) insured by UnitedHealthcare (or for New York residents, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York). Information from these studies may guide efforts to help ameliorate these disparities in the future.

Methodology

Data for this study were obtained from the Health Update Survey (HUS), which contains questions on demographics, other health conditions, and the Veterans RAND 12-item health status survey. The mail survey was fielded on a random sample of 15,000 insureds from 10 states in 2008. Respondents were divided into those with UI and others based on their response to a question about leaking urine during the last six months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to estimate the likelihood of urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life while controlling for respondent demographics and other health conditions.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by UnitedHealthcare and published on 2011/06/11, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, UnitedHealthcare can be contacted at uhc.com NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.