Prevalence, risk factors, and impact on health related quality of life of overactive bladder in China

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence, associated risk factors and the impact on health related quality of life (HRQoL) of overactive bladder (OAB) among men and women aged ≥18 years in China, using the 2002 International Continence Society (ICS) definition.

Methods: The population-based, cross-sectional field survey was conducted between June 2009 and February 2010 in China using questionnaires regarding demographics, the prevalence and the HRQoL. A stratified random sample of men and women aged ≥18 years residing in China who were representative of the general populations was selected for demographic questionnaires first. The individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria of OAB (urgency occurring once a week or more) were further interviewed through King's health questionnaire (KHQ) to estimate the impact of OAB on HRQoL. Data were stratified by city, age cohort, and gender.

Results: A total of 21,513 individuals were contacted to participate in the survey, and 14,844 individuals (7,614 men, 7,230 women) with complete data were included in this study. The prevalence of OAB was 6.0%, OAB(dry) 4.2%, and OAB(wet) 1.8%. The prevalence varied slightly among six geographical regions of China. Nocturia was the most common OAB symptom besides urgency. Advanced age, higher BMI, lower education level, manual worker, alcohol consumption, and married were associated risk factors for OAB in men. Advanced age, lower education level, manual worker, alcohol consumption, married, menopause, more parities and vaginal delivery were potential risk factors for OAB in women. The symptoms of OAB had a detrimental effect on HRQoL, especially on Coping Measures, Sleep/Energy, General Health Perceptions, and Severity of Urinary Problems.

Conclusions: The prevalence of OAB in China is lower than that of most previous reports. Many known risk factors are associated with OAB. The symptoms of OAB have a detrimental effect on HRQoL. Efforts need to be made to improve public and professional education about the problems of OAB and decrease the unnecessary burden of this condition.