Impact on Quality of Life of Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Literature Review
Received 20 May 2009; accepted 31 July 2009. published online 04 December 2009.
The paper provides a systematization of the scientific evidence on quality of life of patients affected by urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) through a systematic literature review. A single search strategy was performed through the databases and papers collected are reviewed by independent researchers finally, including 39 papers. A strong heterogeneity of studies emerged from the evidence. The multidimensionality of the consequences produced by UI and OAB increased the attention on the identification of the most affected dimension of life quality (i.e. physical, emotional) and on the attempt of predicting life quality impairment through specific variables.
Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), Department of Institutional Analysis and Public Management, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
Reprint requests: Simona Bartoli, M.Sc., Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), Bocconi University, Via Roentgen 1, 20136 Milan, MI, Italy
The study was supported by an unrestricted grant from SCA Hygiene Products AB, Gothenburg, Sweden.