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Abstract
Urinary incontinence (UI) and fecal incontinence (FI) were reported in the literature as
prevalent yet under reported conditions in community-dwelling adults. UI and FI have
been documented to lead to a frequently painful and persistent skin condition labeled
incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). Despite literature that reflected decreased
health-related quality of life scores associated with UI and FI, many adults did not seek
medical help for these conditions. This research study investigated the barriers to seeking
help for UI, FI and IAD in community-dwelling adults. Two church congregations
participated in completion of a survey to gather data on the prevalence of UI, FI, IAD and
barriers to seeking help. 145 persons between the ages of 21 to over 80 years of age
participated. Prevalence rates were determined as were three barriers to seeking help: the
belief that UI and FI were a normal part of aging, the ability of those affected to selfmanage
with absorbent pads and briefs, and the belief that the condition was not severe
enough to seek medical help. Further analysis of these barriers by gender and type of
incontinence demonstrated differences between males and females and by type of
incontinence. Less than a quarter of those affected by incontinence indicated that they
had sought medical help for UI and FI, however, over a third of those affected indicated
the desire for written literature on these conditions as a follow-up to this research study.
The information gained regarding barriers to seeking help in this community-dwelling
adult population was used to develop and provide education on incontinence treatments
and incontinence skin care for these communities. Church congregations, community
centers and other locations where individuals gather may serve as access points for
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurses to assess for the need for incontinence
education.
Urinary incontinence (UI) and fecal incontinence (FI) were reported in the literature as
prevalent yet under reported conditions in community-dwelling adults. UI and FI have
been documented to lead to a frequently painful and persistent skin condition labeled
incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). Despite literature that reflected decreased
health-related quality of life scores associated with UI and FI, many adults did not seek
medical help for these conditions. This research study investigated the barriers to seeking
help for UI, FI and IAD in community-dwelling adults. Two church congregations
participated in completion of a survey to gather data on the prevalence of UI, FI, IAD and
barriers to seeking help. 145 persons between the ages of 21 to over 80 years of age
participated. Prevalence rates were determined as were three barriers to seeking help: the
belief that UI and FI were a normal part of aging, the ability of those affected to selfmanage
with absorbent pads and briefs, and the belief that the condition was not severe
enough to seek medical help. Further analysis of these barriers by gender and type of
incontinence demonstrated differences between males and females and by type of
incontinence. Less than a quarter of those affected by incontinence indicated that they
had sought medical help for UI and FI, however, over a third of those affected indicated
the desire for written literature on these conditions as a follow-up to this research study.
The information gained regarding barriers to seeking help in this community-dwelling
adult population was used to develop and provide education on incontinence treatments
and incontinence skin care for these communities. Church congregations, community
centers and other locations where individuals gather may serve as access points for
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurses to assess for the need for incontinence
education.