TITLE:
Experiences of Older Adults Living with Urinary Incontinence in a Regional Hospital
AUTHORS:
Semefa Alorvi, Irene Korkoi Aboh
KEYWORDS:
Bono Region, Living Experiences, Older Adults, Urinary Incontinence
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Aging Research,
Vol.15 No.3,
June
25,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) poses detrimental impacts on several domains of health. Aim: This study explored the experiences of older adults living with UI in a Regional Hospital. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among ten (10) purposively sampled adults aged 60 years plus who reported to the Urology Clinic of the Hospital. An in-depth interview was conducted with a guide employing Braun and Clarke’s approach for thematic analysis. Results: UI negatively impacts on the physical, psychological and social domains of life of older adults. Physical impacts included general body discomfort, poor self-worth, disturbed sleep pattern, dehydration and nutritional impairment, and impaired sexual function. Sense of worry, agony, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, were the psychological impacts. Social impacts included impaired interpersonal interaction, limitations on traveling, attending professional and social gatherings. Conclusions: Coping strategies such as self-motivation, maintaining personal hygiene, and modifying their lifestyle were used to manage the condition.