Introduction

We examined psychosocial health measures in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and compared them in groups of women based on presence and type of urinary incontinence (UI).

Methods

The Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) is conducting a prospective observational study in six clinical sites. This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline information from 510 women seeking treatment for LUTS; those with urologic pain were excluded. The LUTS Tool was used to identify women with and without UI, and to categorize symptoms into: 1) stress (SUI); 2) urgency (UUI); and 3) mixed (MUI) subtypes. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short forms assessed sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety and physical function. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Childhood Traumatic Events Scale were also administered.

Results

Mean age was 56±14 years; 82% were Caucasian, 46% were obese, and 15% reported diabetes. Women with UI (n=425) reported more sleep disturbance (54 vs. 52, p<0.01), more depression (50 vs. 47, p=0.03), more anxiety (51 vs. 48, p=0.02), more perceived stress (13 vs. 11, p=0.01), and poorer physical function (47 vs. 51, p<0.01) compared to those without UI (n=85). There were no significant differences in childhood traumatic events (78% vs 70%, p=0.12) or physical activity (1272 vs 1372 MET-minutes, p=0.58) in women with UI compared to those without UI. Among UI subtypes, women with MUI reported the highest depression, anxiety and perceived stress, and the poorest physical function (table).

Conclusions

Among women with LUTS, those with UI had more emotional distress and sleep disturbance, and worse physical function. Of women with UI, those with MUI reported more severe emotional distress. Frequency of at least one reported childhood traumatic event did not significantly differ across groups.

Funding

Funding for the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) is provided by grants from the NIDDK.