Urinary incontinence in institutionalized elderly in Brazil: an integrative review

This study aimed to investigate the main aspects related to urinary incontinence (UI) in institutionalized elderly in Brazil, through an integrative literature review. In August 2013, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, PAHO, MedCarib, CAPES and Scholar Google, searching for combinations of the terms "urinary incontinence", "elderly", "institutionalized" and "Brazil". After application of eligibility criteria, ten studies were selected: eight scientific studies and two MSc dissertations. Most studies were sectional, carried out in the Southern or Southeastern regions f Brazil, using samples of less than 100 individuals. UI frequency ranged from 22 to 100%, being over than 50% in most studies, being female gender the most affected. The most common clinical form was stress incontinence, followed by urge incontinence, and the volume of losses referred by residents varied between small and large quantities, without predominance of any category. The impact on quality of life conditions of the individual is generally high or moderate, however is lower in non-institutionalized elderly. This study concluded that UI is a common health condition found in the nursing home environment, affecting the quality of life of the resident and can be associated with a decline in mobility and cognitive function. However, Brazilian research on this subject is still limited with reduced sampling, so higher degree of methodological strictness is required in future studies to facilitate planning prevention and treatment measures. Appropriate planning will reduce sanitary costs and the workload of caregivers and health professionals, as well as the impact of this condition on the health of the institutionalized elderly.