Overactive Bladder and Its Impact on Everyday Life: A Qualitative Study

The aim of this study was to explore the challenges and limitations experienced in everyday life by people living with overactive bladder (OAB). Design: This is an exploratory, qualitative study with individual, semi-structured interviews Methods: Interviews were conducted in 2021 using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview text.

Thirteen participants were included, eight women and five men, with an age range of 39-88 years. Three main themes emerged: (i) Organizing everyday life to accommodate the OAB, (ii) Self-taboo and shame, and (iii) Relatives' knowledge and understanding of the challenges of living with OAB. The findings indicate that OAB significantly impacts both physical and mental well-being and daily life. Participants felt limited in their daily activities and experienced poor quality of sleep. OAB prevented them from engaging in activities that they had previously enjoyed. Participants experienced a form of self-taboo and shame due to their OAB. Conclusion: Participants in this study experienced OAB as an invalidating presence in multiple aspects of everyday life. Hence, they organized their daily activities to accommodate the symptoms associated with OAB. Self-taboo and shame were prevalent feelings, causing some participants to shy away from seeking professional help. Likewise, the participants' everyday lives were affected by their relatives' lack of understanding about OAB. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: There is a need for increased focus on the consequences of OAB for those living with the condition. Interventions aiming to facilitate self-management and alleviate everyday challenges associated with the condition are warranted.