Short-term effects of systematized behavioral modification program for nocturia: a prospective study

This study is to investigate whether a repetitive education program for behavioral modification is necessary for the patients with nocturnal polyuria (NPU).

A prospective single-arm study was carried out and 82 patients with NPU were analyzed. We developed a 30-min systematized behavioral modification program (SBMP), which consisted of (1) watching videos about normal physiology of storing and emptying function of urine, (2) regulation of fluid intake, (3) explanation by giving specific examples, and (4) discussion with a specialized nurse practitioner. Patients received reinforcement SBMP if they still had NPU after the first SBMP.

Mean age was 66 ± 8.3 years. Sixty-three males (77%) and 19 females (23%) were included. The results of all questionnaires showed significant improvement of nocturia after the first SBMP. Nocturnal voids, quality of life scores, nocturia index, and nocturnal bladder capacity index were significantly improved and the decrease of nocturnal urine volume was borderline significant. No additional significant improvement was demonstrated after the second SBMP. Overall, 62 patients (78.5%) were satisfied with the first SBMP and 6 patients (7.6%) became satisfied after reinforcement SBMP. Eleven patients (13.9%) were eventually dissatisfied with SBMP.

A single SBMP was sufficient for treating most of the patients with NPU and reinforcement SBMP was effective in some patients. Moving from two to one rises at night may significantly reduce bother and this may explain quality of life improvements rather than any decrease in amount voided.