[Prevalence and initial management of overactive bladder in France: A cross-sectional study]

To determine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in France and gather data about initial patient trajectories in the healthcare system.

A dedicated questionnaire (41 questions) has been sent to a 12,000 sample of people representative of the global population. The following data were investigated: social and demographic features, medical history, Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire, bother, history of symptoms, care seeking and treatments received. Patient were considered having OAB in case if presenting at least two episodes of urgency per week, or being under treatment of OAB. OAB prevalence was the main outcome, and associated factors were characterized by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Based on 8842 available questionnaires, the global prevalence of OAB was estimated to be 14.4%. Prevalence was significantly higher in women, older age groups, as well as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, enuresia, constipation, anxiety/depression, neurological diseases, sleep apnea syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and hypertension. Only 34.6% of patients with OAB had visited a health practitioner for this problem. General practitioners were most frequently implicated in patient primary care and evaluation. Seventy-two percent of patients with OAB had had additional investigations (mostly a urine culture) and only 6% of patients had to complete a bladder diary. The most frequent treatment option was oral antimuscarinics. Physical therapy and rehabilitation have been prescribed in 26% of cases, as well as dietary advice.

OAB is a frequent syndrome. Its prevalence increases with age, and OAB frequently concern elderly frail people with many other associated diseases.

3.