Toileting and Bladder Health in the Gig Economy.

Abstract

Objective: An increasing percentage of the population participates in the "gig economy" - short-term work through online applications. This study often requires continuous travel without reliable restroom access. We aimed to assess toileting behaviors and bladder health in gig economy workers.

Methods: Adult gig workers were electronically recruited using ResearchMatch. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing bladder health, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), toileting behaviors, and information about gig economy work. Toileting behaviors, coping strategies, and aspects of their work were compared between those with and without difficulty finding restrooms while at work.

Results: Of 527 gig workers who participated, 80 (15%) reported difficulty finding restrooms while working. Demographics and type of gig work were similar between groups. Gig workers with difficulty finding restrooms reported higher rates of unhealthy toileting behaviors and coping strategies, such as fluid restricting and delayed voiding. While at work, those with difficulty finding restrooms experienced more severe LUTS. While difficulty finding restrooms was not associated with any psychosocial or demographic factors, it was associated with worsening of urinary symptoms since starting gig work.

Conclusions: Gig workers overall report engaging in unhealthy toileting behaviors and coping strategies at work. Gig workers with difficulties in accessing restrooms while working report higher severity of irritative LUTS and are more likely to demonstrate poor toileting habits, which may further exacerbate underlying bladder conditions. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term associations between bladder health, restroom access and employment in the gig economy.

Clinical trial registration: This study does not require clinical trial registration as no randomized clinic trial was performed.