Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common, yet under-documented condition following stroke that may impact recovery and quality of life.
Aim: Our aim was to assess risk factors for UI after stroke and compare patient characteristics, quality of care, and outcomes.
Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2018 and 2020 National Rehabilitation Stroke Services Audit. Descriptive statistics summarised patient characteristics, admission impairments and allied health involvement. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression with site clustering evaluated between-group differences adjusting for age, sex, stroke type, and admission independence (modified Rankin Scale [0-2]; Cognitive Functional Independence Measure [30-35]).
Results: Of 6,416 patients admitted with stroke, 41% had documented UI. Patients aged ≥85 years had greater odds of post-stroke UI than <85 years (aOR: 4.0, 95% CI 3.3-4.9) and males had a lower risk than females (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.7-0.9). Post-stroke UI was associated with developing a urinary tract infection (UTI; aOR 4.4, 95% CI 3.7-5.1), requiring a carer on discharge (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6), and longer rehabilitation admissions (coefficient 10.6 days, 95% CI 9.0-12.2).
Conclusion: Age and sex are associated with post-stroke UI. Affected patients experience longer rehabilitation admissions and greater UTI risk. Further investigation into the specific types and causes of UI may inform tailored treatment and improve quality of care.
Relevance to clinical practice/patient experience: Older patients and women with UI should have a continence management plan to assist in avoiding complications such as UTIs, thus potentially reducing hospital admission length.