OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) in men with cystic fibrosis (CF).DESIGN: Prospective observational study.SETTING: Adult CF clinics at tertiary referral centres.PARTICIPANTS: Men with CF (n=80) and age-matched men without lung disease (n=80).INTERVENTIONS: Validated questionnaires to identify the prevalence and impact of UI.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of UI and relationship to disease specific factors, relationship of UI with anxiety and depression.RESULTS: The prevalence of UI was higher in men with CF (15%) compared to controls (10%) (p=0.339). Men with CF and UI had higher scores for anxiety than those without UI (mean 9.1 (SD 4.8) vs 4.7 (4.1), p=0.003), with similar findings for depression (6.8 (4.6) vs 2.8 (3.4), p=0.002) using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.CONCLUSIONS: Incontinence is more prevalent in adult men with CF than age matched controls, and may have an adverse effect on mental health. The mechanisms involved are still unclear and may differ from those reported in women.
Adult Anxiety