Balanced time perspective and health-seeking behavior for urinary incontinence: a cross-sectional study

要旨

This study examined the relationship between individual differences in time perspective (TP) and seeking medical care for urinary incontinence (UI), a condition that significantly affects quality of life (QoL). An online survey was conducted with 600 participants aged 40–79 years, using a UI questionnaire and the Japanese Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI). Cluster analysis of ZTPI scores categorized participants into three groups: the Past-Negative-Present (PN-Present) group, including those with higher past-negative, present-hedonistic, and present-fatalistic orientations; balanced time perspective (BTP) group, including those with higher future and past-positive orientations; and Low-TP group. Owing to age-related differences, participants were divided into two age groups: 40–59 and 60–79 years. In both age groups, when participants did not consult a doctor for UI, the PN-Present group reported more severe symptoms than the BTP group. Further, individuals in the PN-Present group may be less likely than those in the BTP group to seek medical care despite experiencing severe symptoms; therefore, early intervention is crucial to improving QoL in this group. These findings highlight the role of TP in health-seeking behavior and suggest that psychological factors should be considered when developing strategies to promote timely medical consultations for UI.

主題