Generic nutritional risk index and urinary incontinence in U.S. older adults

This study aims to evaluate the association between the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and urinary incontinence (UI). This cross-sectional study utilized data derived from 9 cycles (2001–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the connection between GNRI and UI [stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI), and mixed UI (MUI)]. Smooth curve fitting was conducted to explore the linear association between GNRI and UI. Subgroup analysis was used to assess the robustness of the relationship between GNRI and UI across various stratifications. In the current study, a total of 11,324 participants older than 60 years were enrolled, with 32.2% experiencing SUI, 36.5% complaining of UUI, and 17.8% having MUI. In the multivariable logistic regression, GNRI was negatively associated with 3 types of UI with full adjustment (SUI: odds ratio [OR] = 0.986, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.974–0.999; UUI: OR = 0.972, 95% CI: 0.961–0.983; MUI: OR = 0.972, 95% CI: 0.957–0.987, all P < .05). After categorizing GNRI into quartiles, a significant negative relationship between GNRI and UI was stable, particularly evident in the highest GNRI group when compared to the lowest GNRI quartile (SUI: OR = 0.797, 95% CI: 0.672–0.945; UUI: OR = 0.722, 95% CI: 0.615–0.848; MUI: OR = 0.674, 95% CI: 0.538–0.845, all P for trend < .05). Additionally, the smooth curves fitting revealed a negative linear connection between GNRI and UI. Moreover, the negative association between GNRI and SUI, as well as MUI, was more significant in men than in women ( P for interaction < .05). In conclusion, GNRI was inversely associated with the prevalence of UI. The association between GNRI and SUI, as well as MUI, was stronger in males compared to females. Further research is needed to confirm causality and explore potential mechanisms.