Abstract:
Introduction and hypothesis The objective was to assess the prevalence of symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)
among healthy nulliparous female university students, and to evaluate the correlation of these symptoms with a variety of
factors, including waterpipe (WP) smoking.
Methods This is a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate symptoms of OAB in healthy nulliparous female university students. Variables assessed included body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, WP smoking,
consumption of alcohol, cofee, and tea with and without artifcial sweeteners, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Adjusted odds
ratio were calculated to determine the correlation of these variables with OAB symptoms.
Results A total of 767 out of 2,900 females responded to the questionnaire. Bothersome frequency was reported in 32.3%,
and nocturia in 47.5% of the women. Urgency and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) were present in 25.5 and 24.7% of
the study participants respectively. Urgency was associated with WP smoking (p value 0.048). Bothersome frequency was
associated with artifcial sweeteners used with cofee and tea (p value 0.013). UUI was associated with cigarette smoking
(p value 0.034) and elevated BMI (p value<0.001). OAB symptoms were not found to be signifcantly associated with soft
drink and energy drink consumption. A lower prevalence of nocturia (p value 0.009) and urgency was associated with alcohol
consumption (p value 0.017). More than two-thirds (69.2%) of WP smokers expressed readiness to decrease WP smoking
if this would improve their lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Conclusion Overactive bladder is common in healthy young nulliparous women and is associated with multiple risk factors,
including WP smoking.
