Effects of overactive bladder on treatment-relatedbehaviour and quality of life in an Eastern Europeancountry: findings from the LUTS POLAND Study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate treatment-related behaviour and quality of life of a Polish population that reported symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. The analysis also evaluated the impact of individual lower urinary tract symptoms and their specific bother on treatment seeking, treatment receiving, treatment satisfaction, and treatment continuation, in the same population.Material and methodsThe participants were aged ≥ 40 years with possible diagnosis of OAB based on a score of ≥ 8 on the OAB-V8 questionnaire. Respondents used Likert-like scales to rate the frequency and symptom-specific bother of individual lower urinary tract symptoms. Regression models were constructed to analyse all associations.ResultsOf 6005 participants, 33.9% (n = 2041) had a possible diagnosis of OAB. Almost 40% (n = 810) were seeking treatment, and most participants received treatment (37.7%, n = 770). There was no difference between individuals in urban and rural areas. Prescribed drugs were the most common treatment for OAB symptoms. We did not observe differences in treatment satisfaction or dissatisfaction between men and women, but statistically more men than women continued their treatment. Symptoms of all categories, not only storage, but also voiding, and post-micturition, were associated with a negative effect on an individual’s treatment-related outcome. Finally, OAB had a negative effect on quality of life because 43% (n = 878) of persons with possible OAB had concerns about their quality of life related to their urinary condition.ConclusionsThis study is the first Eastern European population-representative analysis of treatment-related behaviours for OAB. Our study highlights the importance of patient education about the condition and treatment options.