BLADDER BEHAVIOR IN NONINSTITUTIONALIZED FRAIL ELDERLY PERSONS.
Contributors: University of Michigan.
Published: 1987
Number of pages: 157
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.
Description: The purposes of the study were to: (1) describe the characteristics and patterns of bladder behavior in a sample of 95 noninstitutionalized frail elderly persons; and (2) explore health status, diuretic medication use, fluid and caffeine intake, and toilet accessibility associated with dysfunctional bladder behaviors. The study was both exploratory and descriptive, and utilized a cross-sectional design of a one-time interview of subjects in their homes.

The sample was analyzed in two ways. One set of analyses was done based on the Functional group and the Dysfunctional group, with the Dysfunctional group comprised of those with polyuria (9 or more voids/24-hour period), nocturia (3 or more voids/sleeptime period), or wetting, or any combination of these symptoms. The Functional group did not meet these criteria. The other set of analyses was done based on the Functional group and 3 dysfunctional subgroups, with the subgroups comprised of those with specific bladder symptoms: (1) those with polyuria and/or nocturia (Poly/Noct group); (b) those with wetting but without polyuria and/or nocturia (Wetting group); and (c) those with wetting in addition to polyuria and/or nocturia (Wet/Poly/Noct group).

Prevalence of dysfunctional bladder behavior was 57% (60% for women and 48% for men). The prevalence of wetting alone (28%) was similar to recent incontinence studies, but higher prevalences were noted for polyuria and nocturia. Those with dysfunctional bladder behavior were more likely to have lower perceived health status, use diuretic medications, and have less toilet accessibility. Those with wetting bladder behavior without polyuria or nocturia had almost one-third less fluid intake than the other groups.

Mobility, toilet accessibility, and health condition were important predictors of overall dysfunctional bladder behavior. Additionally, self-maintenance activities of daily living, fluid intake, and perceived number of "good days" out of the last 7 days were predictors of dysfunctional bladder behavior in 3 subgroups: (1) polyuria and/or nocturia; (2) wetting; and (3) wetting in addition to polyuria and/or nocturia. These findings demonstrate a need for further investigation of polyuria and nocturia as dysfunctional bladder behaviors in addition to wetting.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 48-11, Section: B, page: 3247.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, 1987.

School code: 0127.