Background and Purpose: While urinary incontinence is considered and intrinsic fall risk factor, there is a paucity of descriptive research on the relationship between urinary incontinence and falling. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate fall episodes and urinary incontinence from the perspective of the older adult. Methods: A phenomenologic approach to inquiry was used to explore the life experiences of individuals over age 65 diagnosed with urinary incontinence, who reported a fall within the previous 6 months. Nine semi-structured interviews were analyzed using an inductive, constant-comparative approach. Results: Five primary themes were identified. The most prevalent theme was the distraction/focus factor, described as a change in behavior as the participant focused on mobility skills to negotiate toileting facilities. The second theme was the urgency/rushing factor, with marked changes in gait patterns reported during toileting activities. Theme three, the fear/safety factor, emerged as participants described methods for avoiding the consequences of falls, such as limiting activity or under-reporting falls to family members. Discussion: Insights into the fall experience relating to urinary incontinence management are described. An expanded understanding of the role of urinary incontinence as a risk factor for falling is presented, directing recommendations for potential assessment and intervention strategies as well as future research in the important field of fall prevention.
