To evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), severity of symptoms, and quality of life in affected patients.
We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of 1351 consecutive patients who were recruited between June 2021 and May 2022. Patients were divided according to BMI (normal: <25.0, overweight: 25-29.9, obese: ≥30) and menopausal status. The latter were divided according to the presence or absence of urinary incontinence in the normal, wet-OAB and dry-OAB groups. A validated questionnaire, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire in Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB), in the English and Arabic languages was used.
A total of 1351 patients were included. For women who were overweight, there was a greater prevalence of dry-OAB (p = 0.02), However, the prevalence of both dry and wet-OAB were higher in obese women (p < 0.00001). Compared to women with a normal BMI, women who were overweight or obese had a greater likelihood of developing abnormal daytime urine frequency and nocturia, with p values ≤ 0.01. The ORs of overweight and obese women were 3.1 and 5.3, respectively, for experiencing wet OAB in comparison to women with a normal BMI. Additionally, the odds of developing severe OAB in overweight and obese women were 5.8 and 18.6, respectively, which negatively affects their quality of life (QoL).
The risk of developing OAB symptomatology is significantly greater in overweight and obese patients. As BMI increases, the symptomatology, perceived discomfort and QoL of patients with OAB worsen.
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. 2024 Feb 06 [Epub ahead of print]
Baydaa Alsannan, Antonio Simone Laganà , Jehad Alhermi, Shaikha Almansoor, Amal Ayed, Renato Venezia, Andrea Etrusco
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, 13110 Safat, Kuwait. Electronic address: ., Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Paolo Giaccone" Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, 13110 Safat, Kuwait., Kuwait Ministry of Health, 13110 Safat, Kuwait.