Urinary incontinence is a very common condition in elderly in which there is involuntary leakage or loss of control of the urine ,which may have a profound impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of urinary incontinence on quality of life of elderly people. Research design: Descriptive research design was used. Setting: the study was conducted in urology out patient clinics of Benha University Hospital, Health Insurance Hospital and Benha Teaching Hospital in Benha city. The sample of this study included all elderly who attended the urology out patient clinics. The total number was 150 elderly (100 elderly from Health Insurance Hospital, 30 from Benha University Hospital and 20 from Benha Teaching Hospital). Elderly aged 60 years or above and diagnosed with urinary incontinence. Tools: An interviewing questionnaire tool consisting of five parts was designed to collect data to determine the effect of urinary incontinence on quality of life of elderly. Results of this study: Urinary incontinence was more prevalent among females than males. More than half of them were illiterate and married. There was a statistically significant relation between types of urinary incontinence problem and quality of life of elderly's daily living activities. Also there was no statistically significant relation between urinary incontinence problem of the elderly and their sex. Recommendations: Health educational program should be given in all geriatric clinics about: early detection, treatment, causes, signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence. Also practicing of kegel exercises and physical examinations among elderly with urinary incontinence.
Key words: Urinary incontinence, quality of life, daily living activities.