Secondary data analysis was conducted from a longitudinal nursing home study to identify nonurologic risk factors for continence outcomes at 1 year after admission. Of 434 nursing home admissions, 196 subjects (45%) remained. At 1 year prevalence of incontinence was 43.8%. Age was not associated with prevalence or incidence. Risk factors identified were of male gender, urinary incontinence and poor behavioral adjustment at 2 weeks, presence of dementia and impaired mobility at 2 months. Once established, incontinence tended to persist. The data suggest types of residents who might be targeted for early preventive intervention.