The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) in men with cystic fibrosis (CF). Prevalence of UI and relationship to disease specific factors, relationship of UI with anxiety and depression were measured. There was greater prevalence of UI 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.
There is a greater prevalence of incontinence in adult men with CF than age matched controls, and may have an adverse effect on mental health. The mechanisms involved are as of yet unclear and may differ from those reported in women.