Behavioral therapy in the treatment of urinary incontinence: quality of life and severity

Abstract

Introduction: Behavioral therapy (BT) is an association of techniques that aim to minimize or abolish urinary symptoms, including urinary incontinence (UI), through education about the health condition, lifestyle and nutrition habits’ changes and bladder training. Objective: To analyze whether there is a change in the quality of life and severity of UI after group behavioral therapy in women with UI. Methods: Prospective observational study carried out in a pelvic physical therapy public service. Women with UI of any etiology, over 18 years of age, who underwent a protocol of four weekly group BT meetings as the first treatment option for UI were included. Outcomes (impact of UI on QoL and classification of UI severity) were assessed before, immediately after, and one month after BT using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires. Results: Sample of 146 participants. A reduction in the impact of UI on QoL was observed in the KHQ domains: impact of UI, physical limitations, personal relationships, emotions, general health perception (p < 0.05) immediately after BT. After one month, there was a reduction in the UI impact domains, daily activity limitations, physical limitations, general health perception, emotions, and sleep (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a reduction in the classification of UI severity assessed by the ISI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was an improvement in QoL and a decrease in the IU severity in women with UI who underwent a BT group as the first treatment option.