This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention, including cognitive components, for improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in women with moderate to severe overactive bladder (OAB). The multicenter, randomized clinical trial involved 79 women aged 20 to 80 years who were recruited from four institutions in Japan. Participants were randomly assigned to either a four-week intervention or a waiting list control group. The primary outcome was the change in HRQOL total scores from baseline to week 13, with secondary outcomes including OAB symptom score and frequency volume chart.

Results showed that the multicomponent intervention significantly improved HRQOL, with the intervention group achieving a 23.9-point improvement compared to 11.3 points in the control group. This difference of 12.6 points was statistically significant (P<.001). The intervention also resulted in improvements in micturition frequency and urgency, but there was no significant change in the OAB symptom score. The study concludes that a multicomponent intervention, particularly with cognitive components, can effectively enhance HRQOL in women with moderate to severe OAB.

Reference: Funada S, Luo Y, Uozumi R, et al. Multicomponent Intervention for Overactive Bladder in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(3):e241784. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.1784. 

Socioeconomic status (SES), often measured by education, occupation, and income, may not fully capture an individual’s ability to purchase health-related goods and services. The Poverty Income Ratio (PIR), which accounts for family conditions, offers a more accurate poverty threshold. PIR has been linked to various health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, showing a dose-dependent relationship. However, research on the connection between PIR and overactive bladder (OAB) is limited. OAB, characterized by urgency and frequent urination, impacts both men and women and significantly affects quality of life. This study uses data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the relationship between PIR and OAB in the United States.

The researchers found a significant inverse association between PIR and OAB, with higher PIR linked to a lower prevalence of OAB. This relationship remained after adjusting for demographic and health-related factors. Additionally, a dose–response relationship was observed, with increased PIR correlating to a decreased likelihood of OAB. The association was especially strong in individuals with obesity. The study suggests that PIR could be a key factor in understanding OAB prevalence and should be considered in strategies for managing OAB. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of this association.

Reference: Lin W, Li T, Xu Z, et al. Association of socioeconomic status and overactive bladder in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1345866. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1345866. 

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common urinary disorder marked by urgency, frequency, and nocturia, which significantly affects quality of life. First-line treatments include behavioral therapies and medications like antimuscarinics and beta-3 adrenergic agonists. However, side effects from antimuscarinics often lead to treatment switching, impacting patient adherence. Combination therapy with mirabegron and solifenacin offers an alternative but comes with additional side effects. This study aimed to explore the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients on different OAB treatments and the decision-making factors for both physicians and patients, focusing on combination therapy.

Researchers found that both patients and physicians prioritized treatment safety and efficacy, with physician recommendations being the most influential for patients. Those on third-line therapies had the highest symptom severity and lowest quality of life but were more aware of and interested in combination therapy compared to those on monotherapies. Many physicians and patients were unaware of combination therapy’s benefits, with concerns about cost, side effects, and efficacy acting as barriers. The study suggests that raising awareness of combination therapy could address unmet treatment needs, especially for patients who have not responded to other treatments. Further research is needed to assess its impact on adherence, outcomes, and costs.

Reference: Kraus SR, Li J, Kristy RM, et al. Evaluating and understanding combination therapy decision drivers for the treatment of overactive bladder in the United States. J Int Med Res. 2022;50(5):3000605221098176. doi: 10.1177/03000605221098176.