Approaches to Cope with Stress and Depression in Individuals with Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Aim: The aim of study was to assess individuals with urinary incontinence (UI) with respect to depression and to determine coping mechanisms with stress. Methods: One hundred sixty female and 110 male participants that applied to Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Urology and Urogynecology Department with UI complaints and accepted to participate in the study were included in the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed with Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The mechanisms of coping with stress were evaluated using Ways of Coping with Stress Inventory (WCSI). Results: Females (57.5%) scored 16 points and more from the CES-D scale, while the rate was significantly higher in males (79.1%). The scores obtained in 5 subdimensions of the WCSI showed that females utilized a desperate approach (female 1.39 +/- 0.63, male 1.11 +/- 0.51, p < 0.000), self-confident approach (female 1.98 +/- 0.60, male 1.70 +/- 0.42, p < 0.000), and social support approach (female 1.90 +/- 0.57, male 1.48 +/- 0.44, p < 0.000) statistically and significantly more than males in coping with stress. Conclusion: Males experienced more depression symptoms when compared to females. Females were significantly more self-confident and utilized social support mechanisms and desperate approaches more than males in order to cope with stress. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel