Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the burden and educational needs of informal caregivers of care-dependent older adults with urinary incontinence (UI). Design A cross-sectional, descriptive survey of informal caregivers recruited through Google Ads was performed. Methods An online survey, including the Overactive Bladder-Family Impact Measure, was used to assess five areas of the experience of the informal caregiver that may be affected by caring for a person with UI and their educational needs. Findings Respondents (n = 77) reported a substantial impact of their care recipients' UI on their lives, with concern, travel, and social subscales most affected. However, 42% never sought treatment on behalf of their care recipient. Educational needs included UI treatment strategies and guidance to select appropriate supplies. Conclusions Caregivers underreported their care recipient's UI and need substantially more support from healthcare providers to manage the condition. Clinical Relevance Nurses should assess for UI among care-dependent older adults and, if present, provide information and strategies to lessen the impact on caregiver lives.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 172-178 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Rehabilitation Nursing |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This study was funded by the Mary Lohr Endowment Grant, Clemson School of Nursing.
Publisher Copyright:
© Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Keywords
- Caregivers
- cross-sectional studies
- internet
- survey
- urinary incontinence
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article