Use of health behavior change theories to guide urinary incontinence research

Background: Urinary incontinence in adults has been the focus of researchers for over 40 years. Health behavior change theories, predominantly operant conditioning, have guided much of the intervention research. In recent years cognitive theories have been used to guide behavioral interventions for urinary incontinence. Most research has focused on individual rather than group or community behavior. Few, if any, health behavior change theories have been tested on population-based interventions. Objectives: To explore urinary incontinence research guided by health behavior change theories. Methods: Existing literature on health behavior change theories was analyzed to generate a plan for future research. Results: Gaps in knowledge are identified and discussed and recommendations for future research are made. Conclusions: The development and testing of new theories will guide the next generation of incontinence researchers and ultimately lead to reducing the incidence and prevalence of incontinence.