Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Advanced Practice Nurses Regarding Urinary Incontinence in Older Adult Women

This study examined the level of knowledge and the attitudes and perceptions of advanced practice nurses (APNs) regarding urinary incontinence (UI) in older adult women. UI is a common health issue for older adult women, and APNs are in a unique position as health care providers to prevent, diagnose, treat, and manage the condition successfully. Little is known about how well APNs were educated regarding UI, especially in older adult women. Purposive sampling was utilized to conduct a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design study. Fifty-four APNs completed a questionnaire developed by the author based on the aging literature, advanced practice nursing competencies, and UI guidelines. Findings suggest that APNs generally have positive attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of UI in women. However, participants had difficulty in applying this knowledge to the clinical setting: assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing UI. More emphasis is needed in graduate nursing curriculums and in precepted clinical experiences regarding UI in women.