Urinary incontinence and its impact on caregiver burden in the oldest-old: a cross-sectional study

AIM: To determine the association between urinary incontinence and primary caregiver burden (ZBI) in individuals aged ≥ 80, and to assess additional clinical and sociodemographic contributors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study at Elazığ City Hospital (Oct-Nov 2025), 311 patient-caregiver dyads were evaluated using interviews and chart review. UI was assessed with ICIQ-SF and burden with the ZBI. We used descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression (outcome: total ZBI). RESULTS: Mean patient age was 84.6 years; UI prevalence was 53.1% (n = 165). Mean caregiver ZBI = 47.08 ± 19.77. ZBI correlated strongly with ICIQ-SF (r = 0.536; p < 0.001). The regression model explained 31.5% of ZBI variance (F = 19.932, p < 0.001; adj R2 = 0.299); UI (B = 14.776; β = 0.374; p < 0.001) and BMI (B = 1.055; β = 0.194; p < 0.001) were the only significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: In geriatric patients, UI independently and substantially increases caregiver burden and may adversely affect quality of care. Prioritized strategies to reduce caregiver burden should include effective UI management, psychosocial support for caregivers, and control of modifiable risk factors such as obesity and falls. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.