The clinical observations suggest a correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and mental health problems. Nonetheless, establishing a direct causal relationship between them remains challenging.
We initially conducted a cross-sectional study using 2005-2018 the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was the primary statistical approach. Additionally, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to reducing confounding and reverse causation. Genetic instruments were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases. Inverse Variance Weighted was the primary statistical method.
The cross-sectional study involved 29,439 participants. Individuals with mental health problems had a higher risk of urinary incontinence (OR:4.38; 95%CI:3.32-5.76; P < 0.01) and overactive bladder (OR:2.31; 95%CI:2.02-2.63; P < 0.01). MR analysis then indicated a potential causal relationship between mental health problems and LUTSs. Depression symptoms was linked with urinary tract infection (UTI) (OR:1.005; 95%CI:1.003-1.008; PFDR < 0.01). Anxiety symptoms was related to the occurrence of UTI (OR:1.024; 95%CI:1.011-1.037; PFDR < 0.01) and bladder calcified/ contracted/ overactive (OR:1.017; 95%CI:1.007-1.027; PFDR < 0.01). The personality trait of neuroticism was related to the occurrence of cystitis (OR:1.072; 95%CI:1.022-1.125; PFDR = 0.02), extravasation of urine and difficulties with micturition (OR:1.001; 95%CI:1.001-1.002; PFDR < 0.01), and urinary frequency and incontinence (OR: 1.001; 95%CI:1.000-1.001; PFDR < 0.01).
Our study provides various evidence for the correlation between mental health and LUTSs, emphasizing the significance of adopting a holistic approach to LUTSs management that incorporates both physical and psychological factors.
Journal of psychosomatic research. 2024 Jan 30 [Epub ahead of print]
Xiaotian Zhang, Leilei Ma, Jing Li, Wei Zhang, Yiran Xie, Yaoguang Wang
Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China., Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China. Electronic address: .