Urinary incontinence, work, and intention to leave current job: A cross sectional survey of the Australian nursing and midwifery workforce

Abstract

Urinary incontinence, work and intention to leave current job: A cross sectional survey of the Australian nursing and midwifery workforce. Neurourology and Urodynamics 999:1-8. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nau.23202 ABSTRACT Aims: To determine the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence (UI) in a group of female nurses and midwives, and to examine the relationship between UI, work and intention to leave current job.Methods: An electronic survey 'Fit for the future' was distributed to nurses and midwives in NSW, Australia between May 2014 and February 2015. UI was investigated using the International Consultation on Incontinence UI -Short Form. Examined work characteristics included: work role, location, setting, contract, shift, job satisfaction and plans to leave current job. Logistic regression modelling was performed to determine whether the severity of UI had an independent effect on intention to leave. Results:Of 5,041 survey responses, 68.5% answered the question on urine leakage. Of the included female sample (n=2,907) the prevalence of UI was 32.0% (95% CI: 30-34%): of these 40.5% experienced moderate and 4.4% 'severe or very severe' symptoms. UI was more likely to be reported in nurses or midwives working part-time or days only (not shifts). Those with 'severe or very severe UI' were more likely to indicate an intention to leave at 12 months (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.18-6.06) than those with slight or moderate symptoms, after accounting for age, body mass index, parity, pelvic organ prolapse, anxiety, depression, work contract, shift and job satisfaction.Conclusions: UI is a condition of high prevalence and significant severity in female nurses and midwives. In this workforce, severe UI was associated with intentions related to future employment.

Delaying voiding, limiting fluids, urinary symptoms, and work productivity: A survey of female nurses and midwives

“…Two‐thirds (61.5%) of nurses in our study reported back pain and almost half (48.7%) experienced urinary incontinence. These prevalence rates are somewhat higher than the state wide survey of Australian nurses and midwives (mean age 48 years) at 46.6% for back pain (Perry et al, ) and 32% for urinary incontinence (Pierce et al, ) despite similar reporting measures and our younger sample (mean age 42.3 years). Our sample characteristics may reflect the urban hospital setting and there may be response bias for reporting of urinary symptoms.…”

“…However, the finding that nurses with restricted toilet access or delayed voiding practices were more likely to report back pain was unexpected. Common factors may contribute to the development of back pain and LUTS such as urinary incontinence (Pierce, Perry, Gallagher, & Chiarelli, ; Smith, Russell, & Hodges, ). Two‐thirds (61.5%) of nurses in our study reported back pain and almost half (48.7%) experienced urinary incontinence.…”

A systematic review of the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of pelvic floor dysfunctions in nurses

“…The other LUTS subtypes investigated were urinary urgency, increased daytime urinary frequency, nocturia, hesitancy, straining, intermittency, nocturnal enuresis, spraying, feeling of incomplete emptying, slow stream, and bladder pain. Constipation rates ranged from 20.2% to 28.0%, with 4.3% presenting FI and 7.2%, dual incontinence, while only one study reported the prevalence of POP, finding it to be 16.9% in nurses and midwives . Diagnosed sexual dysfunctions were not found, however, these were associated with other PF subtypes …”

“…Furthermore, UI was found to be related to restrictions in daily work activities, caused by the fact that the nurses felt wet; smelled of urine; feared losing urine while on duty; tried to resist urinating or because they had to interrupt work frequently to go to the toilet. Two other studies reported that those with “severe or very severe” UI had significantly lower job satisfaction and a greater likelihood of indicating an intention to leave their current job and that occupational stress and psychological strain were higher for those with OAB, especially in relation to nurses …”

Impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on work productivity in female workers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Included studies were all written in English and published between 1990 and 2017. The geographical distribution analysis showed that of the included studies, 8 were conducted in the USA, 3 in Sweden, 1 in Denmark, 1 in UK and 1 in Australia . Most of the studies ( n = 12) were cross‐sectional, 1 was a cohort study, and 1 was a case‐control study …”