Both Overactive bladder (OAB) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are smooth muscle disorders with a stressful stigma on the psychosocial aspects of patient life. We aimed to examine the prevalence and correlation between OAB and IBS in Saudi population using a cross-sectional design.

A validated questionnaire about OAB symptom score and the Rome-III IBS criteria was designed as a smartphone software application, and then was sent to the public in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. The study was approved by Institutional Review board with IRB number URO 0313.

765 individuals (485 females (64%)) aged 18 years and above (age range 18-87) agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study. Data showed that 32% (25% males vs 36% females) had OAB; and 52% (50% males vs 53% females) had IBS. For females, OAB symptom score was significantly correlated with age (r=0.30, P<0.0001) and BMI (r=0.27, P<0.0001), whereas it was not significant for males. No significant association was found between OAB and IBS. In persons with OAB, 59% of males and 55% of females had IBS. The OAB scores of IBS and none-IBS in men were 3.21±2.72 and 2.82±2.75 (P=0.2); and in women were 5.17±4.18 and 4.72±4.00 (P=0.2). Age, BMI, and sex were found to significantly affect developing OAB. Women were 2.5 times more likely to have OAB compared to men, (OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.83-3.50). Only 9% of OAB, 21% of IBS, and 42% of OAB/IBS individuals sought medical advice. The data showed that the quality of life is negatively affected for OAB individuals

Using the OAB symptom score to assess the OAB symptoms and Rome-III IBS criteria to assess IBS symptoms using smartphone software questionnaire, the results showed that both OAB and IBS are common among eastern province population with relatively higher percentage toward female population. Although, the OAB scores of IBS and Non-IBS in both men and women were not statistically significant, we still see associated IBS symptoms concurrent with OAB in 59% of males and 55% in females which is largely due to high prevalence of both OAB and IBS in population. The quality of life is negatively affected in patients with OAB. Age and BMI were significant factors in female patients to develop OAB while they are not in males.

Although around 55% of persons with OAB had IBS, no statistically significant association between OAB and IBS was observed (P=0.2). Yet, due to high prevalence of both OAB and IBS and negative impact on quality of life, physicians should assess bowel habit in any patients with OAB and vice versa.  The public awareness about these two diseases and related symptoms should be increased. A larger study is suggested to study more the association between OAB and IBS.