Fall risk assessment in older adults with overactive bladder: based on the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and...

To evaluates distinct fall risk profiles in older adults with different overactive bladder (OAB) subtypes, based on the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) algorithm.

This cross-sectional study assessed OAB subtypes and fall risk characteristics in community-dwelling older adults. The participants were divided into 3 categories: no OAB, dry OAB (without incontinence) and wet OAB (with incontinence). Fall risk was evaluated using fall history, fear of falling, and physical performance. Generalized Linear Models were used to examine associations between OAB subtypes and fall history, fear of falling, and physical performance.

Among the 408 participants (mean age: 71.23 years; 71.3 % female) for the final analysis, the overall prevalence of OAB was 27.0 %, with 9.1 % classified dry OAB and 17.9 % wet OAB. Compared to those without OAB, wet OAB older adults had a significantly higher incidence of prior falls, greater fear of falling, and slower 10-Meter Walk Test and Timed Up and Go test results (All P < 0.05). In contrast, dry OAB older adults only reported increased fear of falling and reduced 10-Meter Walk test (Both P < 0.05), but no significant difference in fall history or Timed Up and Go test (Both P > 0.05). Neither of the two types of OAB showed a significant decline in the performance of the One-leg Standing test.

These findings indicate that incontinence represents a critical escalation in fall risk among older adults with OAB, highlighting the need to distinguish between subtypes for more accurate risk assessment.