Prevalence of overactive bladder among nurses at Siriraj Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the prevalence of overactive bladder among nurses at Siriraj Hospital. Study Design: Descriptive study. Subjects: 300 nurses working at Siriraj Hospital. Intervention Each subject was randomly selected and interviewed regarding symptoms of overactive bladder using a standardized questionnaire. Results: Of 300 nurses included in this study, the prevalence of overactive bladder was 21.3% (95% CI 16.9-26.5). Urgency, the main symptom, was found to occur in 32.8%.The common associated symptoms were frequency and urge incontinence which were found in 23.4% and 11.4% respectively. Concerning the impact of the disease on various aspects of quality of life , we found there was no affect in 40-95% of cases, in 4-50 % there was a moderate effect and a strong effect on the quality of life in 0-12%. Surprisingly, only 10.9% of affected subjects had sought medical treatment for their symptoms, The remaining women appeared unconcerned by their problems. Conclusion: The prevalence of overactive bladder among nurses working at Siriraj Hospital was 21.3% which was very high. However, only a few cases sought medical help. This study provides baseline information concerning this condition in Thai women. Promotion of knowledge and awareness of this condition should be provided, as well as further research concerning various aspects should be conducted, in order to assess how interaction might improve the quality of life of affected women.