The effect of bladder training with mobile application on quality of life and sexual satisfaction in women with overactive bladder: randomized controlled study.

Abstract

Purpose: Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms negatively affect women's quality of life and sexual satisfaction. Although mobile health tools are increasingly used for symptom management, evidence regarding their effectiveness on OAB-related outcomes remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a mobile application-based bladder training program on quality of life and sexual satisfaction in women with OAB.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 women diagnosed with OAB, randomly assigned to either a mobile application group or a control group. The intervention was delivered via a mobile application developed using the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model as a structured design framework. Outcomes were assessed using validated instruments, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (ICIQ-LUTSqol) and the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS), at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

Results: After 3 months, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in ICIQ-LUTSqol scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Sexual satisfaction also increased in both self-centered and partner-centered subdomains. Usability, willingness to use, and loyalty scales indicated high user acceptance and continued engagement with the app. No adverse events or compliance issues were reported.

Conclusion: The mobile application-based bladder training program significantly improved quality of life and sexual satisfaction among women with OAB. High usability and engagement levels support the potential of mHealth interventions as viable, scalable, non-pharmacological management options for OAB.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05413629.