Association between incontinence product use and quality of life in adult men: results from a nationwide survey.

PURPOSE: No information exists regarding the association between incontinence product use and men's quality of life (QOL). Therefore, this study aimed to provide the first comprehensive assessment of how incontinence products relate to adult men's well-being.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey, a nationwide survey of 6210 adults (3122 men, 3088 women). Incontinence products included adult diapers and pads. The primary outcome was the association between incontinence product use and men's QOL. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of incontinence product use by sex, and the factors associated with their usage.

RESULTS

Overall, 11.1% of the participants used incontinence products (5.9% of the men vs. 16.4% of the women). Among incontinence product users, 24% of men vs. 40.8% of women used ≥ 1 pad/day, and men had worse QOLs vs. women (p < 0.001). Among the men, incontinence product users had significantly lower QOLs vs. non-users (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of incontinence product use in men included body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1-1.03), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (PS) ≥ 1 (OR = 3.88, 95% CI = 2.56-5.86), neurological disease (OR = 5.23, 95% CI = 2.25-12.1), urge incontinence (OR = 7.25, 95% CI = 4.51-11.7), postvoid incontinence (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.28-3.03), and stress incontinence (OR = 10.2, 95% CI = 5.59-18.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Male users of incontinence products demonstrated lower QOL scores than did male non-users and female users. Urinary incontinence has a greater impact on men's well-being; however, the difference cannot be assessed. Healthcare providers should remain attentive to incontinence-related concerns and avoid dismissing their impact.