Impact of overactive bladder symptoms on employment, social interactions and emotional well‐being in six European countries

OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms on issues related to employment, social interactions, and emotional well‐being in a population aged 40–64 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study comprised a cross‐sectional population‐based survey of 11 521 individuals aged 40–64 years, conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The survey involved a two‐stage screening procedure. Initially, individuals with any lower urinary tract symptoms were identified. Those whose only symptom/(s) was suggestive of a urinary tract infection, stress incontinence, or prostate obstruction were excluded from further study. Respondents were asked questions about the impact that their symptoms had on their emotional well‐being, social interactions and productivity at home and at work. RESULTS Of those with OAB, ≈ 32% (1272) reported that having these symptoms made them feel depressed, and 28% reported feeling very stressed. There were statistically significant differences in reported feelings of stress and depression when OAB symptoms were stratified by OAB with incontinence (OAB+) vs those with OAB with no incontinence (OAB−), with values for emotional stress of OAB+ 36.4% vs OAB− 19.6%, for depression of OAB+ 39.8% vs OAB− 23.3%. Participants with OAB+ were significantly more likely than those with OAB− to express worry about having accidents and concern about participating in activities away from home because of their bladder symptoms. In addition, those with OAB+ were significantly more likely to report that these bladder symptoms were a source of great concern and made them feel uncomfortable in social situations compared to those with OAB−. Men were significantly more likely than women to report OAB+ having an impact on their daily work life, including worry about interrupting meetings, impact on decisions about work location and hours, and voluntary termination or early retirement. This effect was primarily in men reporting OAB+. CONCLUSION OAB symptoms have a significant effect on the emotional well‐being and productivity of those affected, both at home and at work.