OVERACTIVE bladder (OAB) prevalence has increased by 28% in men according to a new study from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China. Characterised by urinary urgency, increased frequency, and sometimes urgency urinary incontinence, OAB significantly impacts both physical and psychological health, as well as quality of life.
While previous studies on OAB focused on both genders, recent trends among men remain unclear, prompting the current study the aim of which was to establish the current prevalence of OAB within the male population of the USA. Data from 18,386 participants aged 20 and above were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and, to observe trends over time, were divided into three periods: 2005–2008, 2009–2014, and 2015–2020.
Results showed a slight increase in OAB prevalence from 11.3% in 2005–2008 to 11.7% in 2009–2014, and a significant rise to 14.5% in 2015–2020. The increase was particularly notable among men aged 40–59, non-Hispanic White males, non-Hispanic Black males, and those who were overweight or obese.
Notably, the study observed that the increase in OAB prevalence was not solely due to the ageing population, as trends did not rise among those aged 60 and older. Additionally, racial differences were noted, with non-Hispanic Black men showing higher OAB prevalence. It was hypothesised that this could be linked to higher rates of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and socioeconomic factors.
While the research method had strengths, using nationally representative data and standardised data collection methods, the design had limitations including the reliance on self-reported information and the cross-sectional design, that precluded tracking new OAB cases or the duration of the condition. Future research could further investigate these disparities, to identify factors driving the rise in OAB to inform public health strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Katie Wright, EMJ
Reference
Cheng Y et al. Prevalence and trends in overactive bladder among men in the United States, 2005-2020. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):16284.
