Clinical features and management approaches for Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults: Evidence from Three Hospitals in Qatar

TL;DR

This study examines urinary incontinence in older adults in Qatar, focusing on demographics, causes, and drug treatments.

Contribution

The study provides insights into UI management practices and risk factors specific to older adults in Qatar.

Findings

Solifenacin was the most commonly administered anticholinergic drug for UI.

Tamsulosin was the most frequently prescribed alpha-blocker.

The study highlights the need for better documentation and management of UI in older adults.

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common medical problem that seriously affects patients' physical, psychological, social, and financial well-being. To identify the most effective drug management techniques, this retrospective study aimed to describe the demographics, etiology, and medical traits of people with UI.

This retrospective study was conducted at Rumailah Hospital, Ambulatory Care Centre, and Hamad General Hospital to investigate UI risk factors, causes, and management practices in people aged ≥ 65 years within the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar.

The 272 patients enrolled in the study had a marked male preponderance, and a larger percentage of non-Qatari residents than Qataris residents. Solifenacin (24.9%), Tolterodine (4.1%), and Oxybutynin (1.1%) were the most commonly administered anticholinergic drugs, while Tamsulosin (82.9%), Alfuzosin (14.5%), and Doxazosin (1.7%) were the most frequently prescribed alpha-blockers.

This study underscores the importance of investigating UI in institutionalized older adult populations considering the limited research available in Qatar. The identified preventable risk factors can be proactively addressed to mitigate UI. This study also highlights the need for thorough documentation of the diagnosis and reasons for improving the standards of patient care. The findings of this study provide important information that can be used to design medication management methods for enhancing patient outcomes.