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Abstract
Objectives
To review the definition of the overactive bladder and to summarize the results of
epidemiologic studies on this specific disorder as well as urinary incontinence (UI)
in general.
Methods
From a literature search covering the time period from 1954 through 1995, 48 epidemiologic
studies and several other publications dealing with the prevalence and natural history
of UI were reviewed. A metaanalysis of reported data was performed with respect to
incontinence definitions, investigation methods, home country of survey, sex, and
age groups.
Results
Differences in definitions of incontinence, target populations, and study design in
different investigations resulted in inhomogeneity and difficulties of comparing the
available data. By grouping the studies with respect to similarities in the above-mentioned
criteria and analyzing the results for each group of studies, an attempt was made
to understand the great variation of reported results. Differences in prevalence of
incontinence were identified for all examined groups of studies and for distinct ethnic
populations. Scarce information about incidence, spontaneous remission rates, and
risk factors was used to elucidate the natural history of UI in women and men.
Conclusions
Although generally accepted definitions of the overactive bladder specifically and
UI in general are highly desirable, they have not yet been established. Such definitions
should comprise aspects of severity and demonstrability of the condition, bother factor,
and impact on quality of life. Moreover, basic requirements for epidemiologic surveys
of incontinence, such as validation of questionnaire results, need to be defined and
standardized to create a sensible basis for useful epidemiologic studies in the future.
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© 1997 Elsevier Science Inc. all rights reserved. Published by Elsevier Inc.
