Mehmet BELER, Ahmet Alper ÖZDEŞ
Eurasian Journal of Family Medicine - 2026;15(2):97-105
Aim: Urinary incontinence is a prevalent geriatric syndrome that impairs quality of life, yet data on those aged >=80 are limited. This study aimed to determine urinary incontinence prevalence, associated risk factors, and its relationship with depression in the very old population of eastern Türkiye. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 individuals aged >=80 registered at our Advanced Age Unit were interviewed face-to-face. Urinary incontinence was assessed with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and depression with the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests and Spearman correlation. Results: Mean age was 84.8+/-4.0 years; 60.8% were female. Urinary incontinence prevalence was 49.3% (n=197) and depression prevalence 27.3% (n=109). Urinary incontinence was significantly more frequent in women, those aged >=90, with low education, higher BMI, smokers (p=0.003), those with history of falls, and those who had chronic disease. Depression occurred in 41.1% of participants with urinary incontinence versus 13.8% without. Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form scores correlated strongly with Yesavage scores and moderately with number of chronic diseases and number of medications. Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is common among those aged >=80, and is strongly associated with depression. Integrated, multidisciplinary assessment and interventions targeting modifiable risk factors are essential to improve quality of life in this vulnerable population.
