Caffeine reduction education to improve urinary symptoms

Abstract

Caffeine reduction is an internationally accepted treatment strategy for patients with urinary symptoms. However, there is little trial evidence in support of a caffeine/urinary symptom effect. A prospective randomized trial was conducted among 95 consecutive adult patients with urinary symptoms presenting to two nurse continence advisers. Frequency, urgency and leakage outcomes were tested 1 month postenrolment. Trial findings indicate that caffeine intake was reduced (P<0.0001) in the experimental group and that urgency (P=0.002) and frequency (P=0.037) outcomes were significantly improved. Caffeine practices and habits were surveyed and self-reports of caffeine effects indicate that urinary symptoms figured prominently as a reported effects but less so as a driver of caffeine reduction.