To study the prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms among the general population in Kuwait.

An online survey was developed using the OAB-V8 in its original English format and recently published validated Arabic version (1) as well as questions pertaining to risk factors and other medical conditions that may result in overactive bladder symptom clusters. The survey was distributed via broadcast messaging through phone messaging applications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

A total of 6223 respondents attempted to complete the survey, with a completed survey response rate of 82%. A total of 4031 responses were then considered for analysis after removal of incomplete responses in the OAB-V8 (5%) and other important biodata such as age and gender. Incidence of overactive bladder symptoms among all valid responses was 63%. For the purpose of univariate analysis, respondents who reported recurrent urinary tract infections or use of overactive bladder medication were excluded. Age, employment level, marital status, smoking, caffeine intake, water intake, spicy food ingestion, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, use of diuretics and anti-hypertensive medication and antidepressants were all significant factors associated with overactive bladder symptoms; stress levels, however, were not. Relative risk for overactive bladder symptoms was highest among respondents of 60 years of age and above (RR 2.05, p=0.000, 95%CI [1.453-2.289]), those with self-reported recurrent urinary tract infections (RR 2.16, p<0.001, 95%CI [1.593-2.930]), as well as depression, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and daily ingestion of spicy food, among others. Risk of overactive bladder symptoms increased with age.

The high incidence of overactive bladder symptoms in the population and associated risk factors from daily habits and other conditions merits a closer look on the screening and management of this cluster of urinary symptoms. Some of the risk factors may be modifiable, such as ingestion of spicy food or water intake, but others such as depression and irritable bowel syndrome may complicate the status of the patient's diagnosis and management.

Overactive bladder symptoms are probably more common in the general population than previously assumed. In a population that still may deem it taboo to approach a physician particularly a urologist with complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms, this survey provided an intimate in-look to unveil a more realistic incidence of overactive bladder symptoms. This survey also reaffirms numerous associated conditions and risk factors to development of this symptom cluster, and provides a reasoning for more widespread awareness campaigns and investment into diagnosing and managing this condition.

Al-Shaiji TF, Alkabbani M, El-Nahas AR, Thahir A, Almutairi MF, Al-Terki A. Validation of the Arabic linguistic version of the 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-V8). Int Urogynecol J. 2019 Dec;30(12):2153-2156. doi: 10.1007/s00192-019-03905-0. Epub 2019 Feb 20. PMID: 30788523.