Health Disparities and Overactive Bladder: Bridging the Gap

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Health Equity
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) impacts approximately 33 million Americans.
• Existing research often excludes diverse populations, limiting understanding of OAB in non-White and lower-income women.
• Evidence indicates disparities in OAB prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment are linked to social and structural factors, not biological differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the influence of social determinants, race/ethnicity, and structural inequities on the burden and treatment of overactive bladder.
• To highlight disparities in OAB care experienced by minority and lower-income women.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies published between 2010 and 2025.
• Analysis of factors contributing to OAB disparities, including structural barriers and socio-cultural influences.

Main Results:

• Black, Hispanic, and lower-income women report a higher OAB burden.
• Structural barriers (e.g., cost, insurance, access) and socio-cultural factors (e.g., stigma, mistrust, language) impede care-seeking and adherence.
• Minority and low-income patients receive less frequent pharmacologic and minimally invasive treatments despite greater symptom severity.

Conclusions:

• OAB disparities are driven by intersecting structural, socioeconomic, and cultural factors.
• Achieving equity in OAB care necessitates inclusive research, culturally tailored education, and policy reform.
• Strategies like patient navigators and community-based care can help address these inequities.