Effects of consultation for voiding behavior on nocturnal urination status of older adults living alone: A preliminary study

Drug Discov Ther. 2022 Jan 15;15(6):325-330. doi: 10.5582/ddt.2021.01104. Epub 2021 Dec 30.

Abstract

Nocturia and its related arousal may impair the quality of life and increase the risk of falls in older adults. This study aimed to clarify the change in urination status during the main sleeping period within 1 year. We also aimed to examine the effects of a consultation for voiding behavior in addition to the traditional behavioral therapy on urination status during sleep in a group of independent community-dwelling older adults. A single-arm intervention study was conducted in 10 older adults, with a mean age of 80.1 years and nocturia frequency of 1-4 times/day. Natural changes in urination status were observed between 2016 and 2017. Participants received traditional behavioral therapy and a consultation related to voiding behavior four times from summer 2017 to spring 2018. Urination status was monitored using sensing devices placed in the participant's home. The average time staying in the toilet significantly increased after 1 year. Although this parameter significantly decreased after the first consultation in 2017, this change was not observed with the subsequent consultation. A combination of traditional behavioral therapy and consultation for voiding behavior may be effective in improving urination status during the main sleeping period.

Keywords: arousal time; community-dwelling older adults; living alone; nocturia; sensing device.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Home Environment
  • Humans
  • Nocturia* / therapy
  • Quality of Life
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Urination*