| Abstract: | Background: Any type of urinary incontinence may have a profound inpact on thequality of life of an individual. The present study aimed at providing evidence on the quality of life of elderly residents of nursing homes inflicted with urinary incontinence. Methods: In 2009, a qualitative research was conducted in the nursing homes of Koper, Izola and Nova Gorica. The data were collected through a survey questionnaire, filled out by 175 randomly selected residents. Results: 93,9 % of the respondents suffering from urinary incontinence use incontinence supplies. The reseach results show that 53,9 % of them claim no change in their quality of life. For 82 % of the respondents,the supplies pose no problem to live an uninhibited social life, while 18 % find them a hinderance. 54,6 % of all respondents are reluctant to initiate conversation with non-acquaintances. Conclusions and discussion: Despite presenting an unpleasant and distressing condition, urinary incontinceis, according to the research, perceived and experienced differently. For some elderly residents it does not significantly effect theirlives, others have become reserved and reticent in communication with people they encounter for the first time. Learning the effective interventional strategies, like for instance, triggered voiding or adoption ofregular voiding patterns, might considerably improve the quality of life of the elderly incontinent residents. |
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