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Perceptions and behaviours of women with bladder control problems
Ananias C Diokno1, Peter K Sand, Scott Macdiarmid
1Department of Urology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073-6710, USA. adiokno@beaumont.edu
Family Practice
|May 30, 2006
Summary
Many women experience bladder control issues like incontinence and nocturia. Embarrassment and lack of understanding about overactive bladder (OAB) hinder effective doctor communication and treatment management.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Women's Health
- Patient Perception
Background:
- Bladder control problems are common among women.
- Symptoms include frequency, urgency, urinary incontinence, and nocturia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate women's perceptions of bladder control problems.
- To understand women's awareness and communication regarding overactive bladder (OAB).
Main Methods:
- An Internet-based survey of 757 women with bladder control symptoms.
- 12 focus groups with 180 women experiencing bladder control issues.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (72%), frequency (56%), and nocturia (45%).
- Many women use coping mechanisms but lack awareness of OAB as a condition.
- Communication barriers exist, with 30% uncomfortable discussing symptoms with doctors.
- Medication effectiveness is questioned (56% effective), and adherence is low (50% stopped medication).
Conclusions:
- Embarrassment and poor understanding of OAB pathophysiology impede doctor-patient communication.
- Enhanced patient education on realistic expectations and side effect management is crucial for better OAB management.