Comparison of factors leading to discussion and treatment of urinary incontinence: Different patterns for men and women?

Background: Research indicates that women are more likely to report urinary incontinence (UI) and slightly more likely to receive treatment, but men are more likely to discuss it with their health care provider (HCP). Although UI affects 1/3 of seniors, only ¼ of those with the problem receive treatment. Purpose: To identify factors that lead women to discuss their UI problem and receive treatment for it compared to those factors for men. Methods: Study sample consisted of 57,326 individuals aged 65+ years who reported UI symptoms within the previous 6 months in the 2006 Health Outcomes Survey of Medicare managed care beneficiaries. Factors examined included: age, race, education, income, general health status, ADLs, depressive symptoms, co-morbidities, UI severity, and activity restriction. Dependent variables were: discussion of UI problem with HCP and UI treatment. Results: UI severity and number of co-morbidities were the only factors that motivated both men and women to discuss the problem and to receive treatment. Older age, higher education and more ADLs increased the likelihood of women discussing UI with their HCP. In contrast, greater restriction of activities was more likely to lead to a UI discussion for men. Demographic characteristics and poorer general health were more likely to lead to treatment for women, while restriction of activities and more ADLs were the factors important for men. Conclusion: Motivators for discussing a UI problem and receiving treatment appear to differ by gender. Awareness of these differences can lead to better targeting of education for patients and providers.