Prevalence of OAB and impact on quality of life

The study presented here aimed to estimate the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB), assess symptom severity and the level of discomfort, and examine the factors associated with this condition, in a context where urinary symptoms are often misinterpreted as a normal sign of ageing. 

Proposed study methodology

This survey, realized in Jordan, included 940 participants who were categorized into OAB and non-OAB groups. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) was used to establich this classification. Health-related quality of life and symptom bother were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire - Short Form (OAB-q SF). The median age of participants was 43, with a female/male ratio of 1.1. Of these participants, 28.6% smoked, 89.8% consumed caffeine, 52.6% had comorbidities, 9% had a history of kidney stones, and 36.1% had a history of urinary tract infections.

RESULTS

Prevalence of OAB

The overall prevalence of OAB in this population was 27.4% (22% in men and 32.4% in women). Symptoms were particularly frequent in patients over the age of 70 (28%) and were less common in the 18-29 age group (4.5%). Women (56.8%) were more likely to present with urge urinary incontinence than men (41.8%).

Factors associated with OAB

The research identified that several factors were significantly (p<0.001 for all) associated with a heightened risk of OAB. These factors include advanced age (>45 years) [OR=2.26], elevated BMI [OR=2.6], the presence of comorbidities [OR=2.6], and a history of recurrent urinary tract infections [OR=1.9]. In addition, the risk of OAB was half as high in men as in women, and in single, divorced or widowed people as compared with married people (p<0.001). 

Factors such as the level of education, smoking habits, caffeine consumption, and overall fluid intake did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with the risk of OAB. Nevertheless, it was shown that consuming more than 2,500 mL of fluid daily may increase the risk of OAB [OR=1.39].

OAB symptoms and quality of life

OAB symptoms were strongly correlated with increased discomfort and reduced quality of life due to health. The level of bother increased with symptom severity (p<0.001), indicating that even moderate forms of OAB could have a significant impact on daily life. Among all those surveyed, nocturia (defined by the ICS as ≥ 1 voids per night) was the most frequent symptom, followed by urgency, increase in frequency micturition, and lastly urge UI. 

Management of OAB

Among those diagnosed with OAB, 18% consulted a doctor about their urinary problems; 40% of these received treatment and 42.5% were diagnosed with OAB. Every participant who was treated reported having used the prescribed treatment, yet nearly half discontinued the treatment at some point.

This study highlighted the importance of recognising and managing OAB to reduce its impact on patients' daily lives. Early detection and the appropriate management of risk factors can significantly improve health-related quality of life for individuals suffering from OAB. Screening for OAB during routine clinical consultations is possible using validated measurement tools.

Read the article here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10776079/