Association of Chronic Conditions With Bladder Health in Women: Cross-Sectional Results From the RISE FOR HEALTH Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Women with multiple chronic conditions are more likely than women without them to report lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS); understanding the association of common and coexisting chronic conditions with bladder health across adulthood may inform prevention efforts.

Methods: Data were collected from May 2022 through December 2023 from a regionally representative cohort of community-dwelling adult women in the US. Chronic conditions were assessed by self-report and bladder health, and LUTS were measured using validated questionnaires. Analyses were limited to women aged 40 years or older and included multivariable linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for age, body mass index, physical function, and educational attainment.

Results: Of 3,423 eligible participants, 2,016 were aged 40 years or older and responded to questions on multiple chronic conditions. Of these, 449 had no chronic conditions, 405 reported 1 chronic condition, 652 had 2 or 3 chronic conditions, and 510 had 4 or more chronic conditions. Hypertension (41.4%) and osteoarthritis (13.6%) were the most frequently reported coexisting conditions (9.7% had both). Across the 10-item Bladder Health Scales and 6-item Bladder Function Indices, women with 0 or 1 chronic condition reported better bladder health than women with multiple chronic conditions. In this cohort, frequent LUTS did not vary by the number of chronic conditions.

Conclusion: The opportunity to promote bladder health among adult women with chronic conditions may precede the development of frequent LUTS. Additional research is needed to determine whether prevention strategies may differ according to common chronic conditions.