Attitude Survey of Middle-aged and Elderly Women with Experience of Urinary Incontinence

[Purpose] The psychological aspects of women with experience of urinary incontinence were investigated, to clarify anxieties about urinary incontinence and coping behavior, and to obtain practical knowledge for supporting pelvic floor muscle exercise. [Participants and Methods] Eleven middle-aged and elderly women who lived independent lives and had experience of urinary incontinence were the subjects of qualitative descriptive research. [Results] Their average age was 60.1 ± 4.0 years old and the interviews lasted 21.3 ± 6.6 minutes. Ten categories and 18 codes were identified for 4 items. [Conclusion] Urinary incontinence was considered a consequence of aging. The subjects were embarrassed by it, but wanted to do something to improve it. Pelvic floor muscle exercises were known to be effective, but the right exercise methods were not known.