TY - JOUR
T1 - The impact of bladder problems on well-being in multiple sclerosis – A cross-sectional study
T2 - Awareness of Bladder Problems in Multiple Sclerosis
AU - Islamoska, Sabrina
AU - Forman, Christian Riis
AU - Panicker, Jalesh N.
AU - Flachenecker, Peter
AU - Phé, Véronique
AU - Brichetto, Giampaolo
AU - Blok, Bertil
AU - Barken, Kim Bundvig
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors
PY - 2024/7
Y1 - 2024/7
N2 - Background: Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) frequently suffer from bladder problems that are not identified and managed optimally, reducing quality of life and increasing risk of health consequences. Objective: This study aimed to investigate associations between bladder problems and well-being of pwMS. Methods: The study included 1872 pwMS from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK self-reporting on demographics, MS status, bladder problems and management, and well-being. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations with self-reported well-being. Results: Population mean age was 51 years and 79 % were women. Among pwMS, 55 % reported bladder problems indicating overactive bladder (OAB), and 40 % reported self-experienced urinary retention. Self-management of bladder problems was reported by 32 %, 33 % were yet to have problem resolution, and 45 % reported a wish to receive bladder management help. Additionally, 35 % of pwMS reported that bladder problem onset preceded awareness of a link to MS. OAB, problem self-management, and urinary complications were significantly associated with lower well-being. Conclusion: Bladder problems affect pwMS across disease subtypes and many attempt self-management. Consequently, pwMS with bladder problems are more likely to experience lower well-being, suggesting an unmet need. Raising awareness of the link between bladder problems and well-being could benefit pwMS living with bladder problems.
AB - Background: Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) frequently suffer from bladder problems that are not identified and managed optimally, reducing quality of life and increasing risk of health consequences. Objective: This study aimed to investigate associations between bladder problems and well-being of pwMS. Methods: The study included 1872 pwMS from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK self-reporting on demographics, MS status, bladder problems and management, and well-being. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations with self-reported well-being. Results: Population mean age was 51 years and 79 % were women. Among pwMS, 55 % reported bladder problems indicating overactive bladder (OAB), and 40 % reported self-experienced urinary retention. Self-management of bladder problems was reported by 32 %, 33 % were yet to have problem resolution, and 45 % reported a wish to receive bladder management help. Additionally, 35 % of pwMS reported that bladder problem onset preceded awareness of a link to MS. OAB, problem self-management, and urinary complications were significantly associated with lower well-being. Conclusion: Bladder problems affect pwMS across disease subtypes and many attempt self-management. Consequently, pwMS with bladder problems are more likely to experience lower well-being, suggesting an unmet need. Raising awareness of the link between bladder problems and well-being could benefit pwMS living with bladder problems.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85192480712
U2 - 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105661
DO - 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105661
M3 - Article
C2 - 38728957
AN - SCOPUS:85192480712
SN - 2211-0348
VL - 87
JO - Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
JF - Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
M1 - 105661
ER -