Predictors of discontinuing overactive bladder medications

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) affects a significant portion of the population, leading to treatment-seeking behaviors.
• Medication adherence and persistence are crucial for managing OAB symptoms effectively.
• Understanding factors influencing OAB medication discontinuation is vital for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key predictors of self-reported discontinuation of overactive bladder (OAB) medications.
• To analyze sociodemographic, health status, and belief-related factors associated with OAB treatment cessation.
• To inform strategies for enhancing patient persistence with OAB pharmacotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase US-based survey methodology was employed, starting with a broad prevalence assessment.
• Phase 2 involved detailed data collection from OAB medication users regarding demographics, health, beliefs, and usage.
• Phase 3 assessed medication persistence and discontinuation, with multivariate logistic regression used to identify predictors.

Main Results:

• Smoking, uncertainty about medication dosing, concerns regarding adverse effect severity, and bothersome urgency predicted OAB medication discontinuation.
• Patients bothered by urgency were more likely to discontinue treatment.
• Conversely, taking two or more OAB medications was associated with a lower likelihood of discontinuation.

Conclusions:

• Addressing patient-reported predictors, such as urgency bother and concerns about adverse effects, can potentially improve OAB medication persistence.
• Proactive patient education on medication dosing and potential adverse effects is recommended.
• Interventions targeting identified predictors may enhance the long-term management of overactive bladder.