Journal of Science and Applications: Biomedicine

19-23

Authors: Dong Chen, Yining Li

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) in South of China, to assess the variation in prevalence by sex and age, and to measure the impact of OAB on quality of life. A population-based, cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted with a questionnaire regarding the prevalence of OAB, demographics, and the impact of OAB on quality of life. A geographically stratified random sample of men and women aged ≥30 years was selected. The overall prevalence of OAB was 26.5% (male, 18%; female, 28.7%). Of a total of 265 participants with OAB, 36.8% and 18.2% reported moderate or severe impact on their daily life and sexual life (6.5% and 2.9%, respectively, in participants without OAB). Anxiety and depression were reported by 21.2% and 38.3% of participants with OAB, respectively (8.9% and 23.6%, respectively, in participants without OAB). Only 23.5% of participants with OAB had consulted a doctor for their voiding symptoms, but 45.6% of respondents with OAB were willing to visit a hospital for the management of their OAB symptoms. This study confirmed that OAB symptoms are highly prevalent in Korea, and many sufferers appear to have actively sought medical help. OAB has severe effects on daily and sexual life as well as psychological health.