Prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence in men with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) in men with cystic fibrosis (CF). Design Prospective observational study. Setting Adult CF clinics at tertiary referral centres. Participants Men with CF ( n  = 80) and age-matched men without lung disease ( n  = 80). Interventions Validated questionnaires to identify the prevalence and impact of UI. Main outcome measures Prevalence of UI and relationship to disease specific factors, relationship of UI with anxiety and depression. Results The prevalence of UI was higher in men with CF (15%) compared to controls (10%) ( p  = 0.339). Men with CF and UI had higher scores for anxiety than those without UI (mean 9.1 (SD 4.8) vs 4.7 (4.1), p  = 0.003), with similar findings for depression (6.8 (4.6) vs 2.8 (3.4), p  = 0.002) using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Conclusions Incontinence is more prevalent in adult men with CF than age matched controls, and may have an adverse effect on mental health. The mechanisms involved are still unclear and may differ from those reported in women.