Uncovering Hidden Patterns of Stigma Amongst Older Men With Urinary Incontinence: A Latent Profile Analysis

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) stigma significantly impacts older men's mental well-being, yet individual experiences vary. Current research frequently overlooks the heterogeneity of these stigma experiences. Addressing this gap, this study identifies stigma-influencing factors and uncovers distinct subgroups to inform targeted psychological strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted from November 2023 to February 2024 included a convenience sample of 243 older men with urinary incontinence from two hospitals in Guangdong, China. Data were collected via a demographic questionnaire and the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness. Latent profile analysis identified distinct stigma subgroups. Furthermore, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were utilized to evaluate demographic and clinical differences across subgroups and identify influencing factors. RESULTS: Education, UI severity and type and water/tea intake significantly influenced stigma (p < 0.05). LPA revealed the following four subgroups: (1) 'High Self-Stigma & High Perceived Stigma' (34.4%); (2) 'Internal-Sensitive & External-Resilient' (40.2%); (3) 'Moderate Stigma' (15.0%); and (4) 'Low Stigma' (10.4%). Demographic and clinical characteristics differed significantly across these profiles. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that older men with UI may exhibit four distinct stigma profiles. Recognizing these patterns could inform customized psychological support, potentially advancing a precision health approach aimed at improving care efficacy and quality of life.