Active encouragement of older women with urinary incontinence in primary care to undergo diagnosis and treatment: a matched-pair cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: The URINO trial investigated the effect of offering treatment to older women with urinary incontinence in the general population, who had not sought help on their own initiative.

Study design: In a cluster randomized trial, 14 general practitioners were matched into pairs and randomly allocated to an intervention or a control group. Women aged ≥ 55 years registered in the participating practices were asked about urinary incontinence via a postal questionnaire. Patients in the intervention group were assessed and treated whereas patients in the control group received standard care.

Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was improvement (yes or no) of the severity of symptoms at 12-month follow-up measured with the Incontinence Severity Index. Secondary outcomes were the number of incontinence episodes per day and quality of life. The primary analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis with multiple imputation of missing data. A logistic regression model with correction for cluster randomization was fitted to estimate odds ratios (ORs).

Results: At 12 months, the severity of symptoms had improved in more patients in the intervention group (n166) than in the controls (n184) (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.3). Also, the number of patients with fewer episodes of incontinence had increased (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.5-4.1). No between-group differences in changes in quality of life were apparent (p0.14).

Conclusions: It is recommended to encourage women in the general population aged ≥ 55 years with urinary incontinence to undergo diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Aged; Female; General practice; Urinary incontinence.