The Prevalence and Quality of Life of Overactive Bladder and Urinary Incontinence in Young Women

Kim, Uk Hyun; Kim, Young Ho; Kim, Min Eui

Abstract

PURPOSE: Urinary discomforts can affect the quality of life. However, little information is available on the relation between an overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence (UI) in young women. We conducted a questionnaire survey via internet to assess the effects that the symptoms of an overactive bladder and urinary incontinence have on the quality of life in young women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 3,372 (89.8%) women (mean age: 26.3+/-4.8years) among 3,757 participants completed the questionnaire via an internet web site. They were divided into three groups: those who had OAB, those who had UI, and the controls who had neither. The factors related to OAB and UI were analyzed by the Chi-square test. The risk ratios of OAB and UI on daily and sexual life were analyzed by a multiple logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
Of 3,372 respondents, the prevalence of OAB and UI in young women was 429 (12.7%) and 707 (21%), respectively. The factors related to OAB were history of urinary tract infection (x2=17.04, p<0.01) and family history (x2=9.95, p<0.01), and factors related to UI were age (x2=6.2, p<0.05), occupation (x2=11.0, p<0.05), history of urinary tract infection (x2=20.2, p<0.01), family history (x02=4.9, p<0.05), and parity (x2=8.6, p<0.01). The risk ratios of OAB on daily and sexual life were 5.0 and 4.3 times, respectively. The risk ratios of UI on daily and sexual life were 2.9 and 3.9 times, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The symptoms that were suggestive of OAB and UI are highly prevalent and significantly affect the quality of life in young women. The reduction in mobility associated with OAB and UI symptoms may be especially distressing for these young and active women. Effective healthcare polices and prompt management of OAB and UI should be implemented.