Epidemiology and demographics of the underactive bladder: a cross-sectional survey

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and awareness of symptoms suggestive of underactive bladder (UAB) in a heterogeneous, non-specific population to garner additional epidemiologic information about UAB. After IRB approval, an 18-item survey was mailed to 5,000 people living in metro Detroit to collect demographic data and questions regarding clinical urinary symptoms and familiarity with UAB. A total of 633 subjects (13; 54 % men, 46 % women) returned the survey. Nearly one quarter (23 %, n = 137) of respondents reported difficulty emptying his/her bladder, yet only 11 % (n = 70) had ever heard of UAB. The study results indicated that patient-reported bladder emptying symptoms are prevalent, as common in women as men, and significantly associated with comorbidity and poor self-reported health. The results suggest that the burden and impact of UAB might be significant and that a syndromic concept of UAB warrants research to determine the true burden of disease, increase awareness, and broaden efforts to investigate therapeutic directions.