Prevalence And Risk Factor Of Overactive Bladder Syndrome Among Egyptian Medical Students And Their Impact On Health-Related Quality Of Life, Cross-Sectional Study

Overactive bladder (OAB) is defined as sudden, urgent desire to urinate (urgency) accompanied by frequency and nocturia, with or without urgent urinary incontinence in the absence of urinary tract infection (UTI). This condition can significantly decrease the quality of life of these patients, as it can humiliate their actions, affect their relationships with others, and it can also affect their productivity. Due to all these effects, several studies have linked the increase in overactive bladder symptoms with an increase in anxiety and depression rates. A recent cross-sectional study in the UK and Sweden, called EpiLUTS, included 10,000 participants. the investigators found a statistically significant increase in anxiety and depression rates among both men and women in both the UK and Sweden, with a slight increase in men than women On the other hand, there are several risk factors such as overweight, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. In a previous cross-sectional study in Jordan, the investigators found a correlation between an increase in risk factors such as age group, history of trauma, stressful life, and medication, and overactive bladder symptoms among medical students.

Several studies have assessed the prevalence of overactive bladder among different population age groups, ethnicities, or genders with varying results. It was rated to be 11.8% in a multicenter cross-sectional study including several countries in Canada and Europe (Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the UK), while in the USA it was estimated to be 16%. All these studies were conducted on the general population; however, in China, it was about 6% among university students.

In the Arab world, several cross-sectional studies have also assessed the prevalence of overactive bladder, including students, and its effect on the quality of life. Hajjar 2022 assessed its prevalence among Lebanese female nulliparae university students. They showed that nocturia and frequency were the most common symptoms that bothered students. the investigators also found a statistical correlation between smoking, drinking coffee, or tea, and increased symptoms. Also, drinking soft drinks was associated with an increase in urinary leakage. Additionally, Abuorouq 2024 and Shawahna 2021 conducted Cross-sectional studies were conducted on medical students in Jordan and Palestine, respectively. They reported a prevalence of 44.5% and 54.1%, respectively. Shawahna 2021 reported a statistically significant correlation between gender or stressful life and a decrease in quality of life.

Rational In Egypt, the prevalence of overactive bladder is underestimated. A single previous multinational cross-sectional study across several Arab countries, including Egypt, was conducted. was conducted in Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, and Lebanon among women. the investigators reported a prevalence of 57.5% among Egyptian women.

Since this study, no study has been conducted to further assess its prevalence in different age or gender groups in Egypt. Taking into consideration the stressful life of medical students in Egypt, and several life risk factors they face, the investigators will conduct this cross-sectional study.