Introduction and hypothesis  

The objective of the study was to determine incidence, remission, and predictors of change in urinary incontinence in women ≥50 in a racially diverse population.

Methods  

Subjects were women ≥50 with 4-year follow-up incontinence information in the Health and Retirement Study. Women with Any UI (AUI) and Severe UI (SVUI) were evaluated. Repeated measures logistic regression determined predictors of progression to and improvement of SVUI.

Results  

Women (11,591) were evaluated. AUI 4-year cumulative incidence was 12.7–33.8% (fifth vs. ninth decades). SVUI incidence was lower but also increased with age. Among the predictors of improvement in SVUI were age (ninth vs. fifth decade odds ratios (OR) = 6.06) and ethnicity (Black vs. White OR = 0.57). Improvement of SVUI (45.8% overall) decreased with age (ninth vs. fifth decade OR = 0.12).

Conclusions  

SVUI incidence increased and remission decreased with age. Ethnicity and age predicted SVUI progression while age predicted improvement. Rates of the latter were high, particularly in younger patients.