URINARY INCONTINENCE AND GERIATRIC SYNDROMES

THE IMPACT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE ON GERIATRIC SYNDROMES IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS

The aim of this cross-sectional observational study is to examine the independent associations of urinary incontinence severity and post-void residual urine volume with frailty and other geriatric outcomes in older adults presenting to a urology outpatient clinic with urinary incontinence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65 years or older,
• Presence of involuntary urinary leakage according to the International Continence Society definition,
• At least one urinary leakage episode during the previous four weeks and an ICIQ-UI SF score of ≥1,
• General health status adequate to tolerate the outpatient assessment protocol,
• Ability to mobilize independently,
• Ability to understand instructions in Turkish and complete the study questionnaires,
• Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute urinary tract infection or acute lower urinary tract symptoms,
• History of major pelvic or orthopedic surgery within the previous six months,
• Acute musculoskeletal condition that may affect performance during the assessments,
• Neurological disease causing severe mobility limitations, including Parkinson's disease or stroke,
• Diabetic neuropathy,
• Severe cardiopulmonary disease, including New York Heart Association class III-IV heart failure or forced expiratory volume in one second below 30% of the predicted value,
• Dementia or severe cognitive impairment, defined as Global Deterioration Scale stage 4 or higher,
• Severe visual or hearing impairment that may prevent completion of the assessments,
• Terminal illness or active malignancy,
• Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent,
• Unwillingness or inability to complete the assessment protocol.