Urinary incontinence in primary care: a comparison of older African-American and Caucasian women.

Urinary incontinence is a common problem for aging women. Little is known about urinary incontinence in nonwhite populations. A telephone survey was used to compare the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence as well as common risk factors for urinary incontinence in 194 African-American (AA) and Caucasian (C) women over the age of 50 who made a visit to a primary care practice within the prior 2 years. A high prevalence of UI was found among these women (62%AA, 67%C), though no significant difference was noted among the two groups. More Caucasian women than African-American women reported symptoms of stress incontinence. For both groups, the use of HRT was associated with reporting urinary incontinence. Higher body mass index and prior hysterectomy was associated with urinary incontinence for African-American women only. For both groups, low rates of 'botheredness' (28%AA, 32%C) and treatment seeking (39%AA, 52%C) were found.