Association of visceral adiposity index and overactive bladder: insights from NHANES 2007-2018

In the exploration of the pathogenesis of overactive bladder (OAB), emerging evidence suggests a potential link between OAB and obesity. However, the association between visceral fat accumulation and OAB has not been definitively established. The aim of the study is to analyze and establish the relationship between visceral adiposity index (VAI) and OAB in large population studies.

The study included 13,694 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database covering the years 2007 to 2018. VAI was calculated using waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). OAB was defined via the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS ≥3). It utilized weighted multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between VAI and OAB, as well as the relationship between the two across various subgroups. Additionally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was employed to explore the nonlinear relationship between VAI and OAB.

Weighted multivariable logistic regression indicated a significant association between VAI and OAB (P<0.05). After adjusting for covariates, a notable association was found between the "Q4" of VAI and the occurrence of OAB (all P<0.05). Subgroup analysis results were consistent with those of the overall population (P for interaction >0.05). RCS revealed a nonlinear positive dose-response relationship (P<0.001), with a significant inflection point at VAI =1.41.

The study identified a nonlinear positive dose-response relationship between VAI and the occurrence of OAB. Incorporating VAI into comprehensive management strategies for OAB is a meaningful exploration.