Urinary Incontinence and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Physical Activity and Social Engagement

Abstract

Objectives This study investigates longitudinal within-person associations between urinary incontinence (UI) and depressive symptoms among older women. Drawing on activity theory, this study also adds to limited knowledge about the mediating role of physical activity and social engagement in the association between UI and depressive symptoms. Methods Using 6 waves of a nationally representative longitudinal study of older adults in Korea between 2008 and 2018, this study examined the relationship between UI and depressive symptoms among women aged 70 and older. Fixed effects models were estimated to account for unobserved time-invariant confounding factors. Sobel mediation tests were conducted to formally test for mediation. Results Fixed effects estimates showed that, after adjusting for a wide array of time-varying covariates, having UI is positively associated with depressive symptoms among older women (b = 0.238, p < .05). Results revealed that individuals who begin to experience UI tend to have less frequent social interactions and participate in fewer social activities. UI, however, is only marginally associated with a decrease in physical activity. Reductions in physical activity, social connections, and social activities jointly explain about 22% of the association between UI and depressive symptoms, rendering it statistically insignificant. Discussion UI poses a threat to psychological well-being among older women. This is partly explained by a decrease in physical activity and disruption in social engagement. This study reaffirms the significance of the programs that promote physical and social activity among older adults.