The Impact of Overactive Bladder on Quality of Life Affecting Physical Life, Social Life and Psychological Health among Women

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) has profound impacts on the quality of life (QoL) in women, affecting their physical, social, and psychological well-being. However, comprehensive studies on the impacts of OAB among women in Bangladesh, a low-middle income country with unique cultural, social, and economic contexts, remain scarce. Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2021 to December 2022, included 120 women visiting the study hospital with complaints of urinary leakage. Participants were surveyed on the prevalence and severity of OAB symptoms and their impact on physical life, social life, and psychological health. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were used to assess symptom severity and impact on quality of life, respectively. Result: The study found that OAB symptoms were prevalent among the participants, with 50.00% reporting urinary urgency, 40.00% reporting frequency of urination, 30.00% reporting nocturia, and 20.00% reporting incontinence. The severity of OAB symptoms varied, with 40.00% having a mild OABSS score, 50.00% having a moderate OABSS score, and 10.00% having a severe OABSS score. Conclusion: OAB significantly impacts the QoL of women in Bangladesh. This study underscores the need for comprehensive, multi- dimensional approaches to manage OAB, emphasizing the necessity for mental health support. It contributes to the limited literature on OAB's impact in low and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for further research and public health initiatives to improve the management and treatment of OAB in these contexts.