A Community-Based Education Program for Overactive Bladder in a Predominantly Minority Older Female Population: A Pilot Study

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Knowledge gaps regarding available treatment and social stigmatization are barriers to care in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). We assessed the feasibility of an OAB education program targeting older community-dwelling females. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Community-dwelling women over 55 years old were recruited. Eligible participants underwent an education program covering continence-promotion strategies. The Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form and Short Form-12 were completed at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-intervention to measure symptom bother and condition-specific and general quality of life (QoL). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model for repeated measures. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-seven female patients with OAB symptoms at baseline were assessed with the majority from Latino/Hispanic or Black/African American ethnic/racial backgrounds. For our youngest subgroup (≤68 years old), significant improvements were observed at 3 and 6 months compared to 1 week post-intervention for symptom bother (3 months, −22.75, <i>p</i> = 0.006; 6 months, −25.76; <i>p</i> = 0.001) and condition-specific and health-related QoL subscale scores for concern (3 months, +23.76, <i>p</i> = 0.006; 6 months, +22.15, <i>p</i> = 0.011) and social interaction (3 months, +21.11, <i>p</i> = 0.017; 6 months, +20.51; <i>p</i> = 0.021). For all age subgroups, improvements in general QoL measures for mental health were seen at 3 and 6 months compared to baseline (3 months, +7.57, <i>p</i> = 0.02; 6 months, +6.70; <i>p</i> = 0.048). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Statistically significant improvements in symptom bother, condition-specific, and general QoL measures were observed following an OAB education program pilot study in a predominantly minority female population. Further studies are needed to support efficacy and optimize program design.