Introduction: The pathophysiology and management of overactive bladder (OAB) has been the subject of intensive research, but the prevalence of OAB in the community has not been well documented. This study aims to determine the prevalence of OAB among men and women attending the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). This study also shows the impact of OAB on daily life activities and associated risk factors.
Methods: Four hundred respondents, aged between 18 to 70 years and visiting UKMMC, were interviewed and scored using the validated OAB screener. Information on sociodemographic data, the effects of OAB on daily living activities, and possible risk factors were included in the questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of overactive bladder in the study population was 42%. The most common symptom complaint was nocturia (94%). Gender (p = 0.004) and family history (p = 0.016) were related to a higher prevalence of overactive bladder. Males were significantly affected with the odd ratio of 1.792 compared to females. Race, age, monthly income, occupation, family, and smoking history were not associated with OAB. The most commonly affected activity of daily living in OAB patients is sleep disturbance (43.5%).
Conclusion: The study has shown that the prevalence of OAB is relatively high in the Malaysian community, especially among males, and those with a positive family history. This has warranted closer attention to the issue. Preemptive measures should be taken by health care givers, the government, and the community to raise OAB awareness among society.
Christopher Chee Kong Ho, Teo Chee Yang, Phang Lay Fang, Nur Aziyana Noor Azizi, Farah Lyna Darwin, Nur Afifah Mohd Ghazi, Guan Hee Tan, Eng Hong Goh, Praveen Singam, Badrulhisham Bahadzor, Zulkifli Md Zainuddin
Date Received: November 07, 2011
Accepted on: November 23, 2011
KEYWORDS: Prevalence; Overactive bladder; Daily living activities; Risk factors
CORRESPONDENCE: Christopher CK Ho, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( ).
CITATION: UroToday Int J. 2012 Feb;5(1):art 88.
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3834/uij.1944-5784.2012.02.06