The Epidemiology of Overactive Bladder among Asians
M. C. Lapitan, P. Moorthy, P.L.C. Quek, P.H.C. Lim

The world experts on incontinence have recognised the paucity of information regarding incontinence in non-caucasians. In 1998, the Asia Pacific Continence Advisory Board embarked on a regional prevalence study on urinary incontinence as an answer to this call. An epidemiological study was performed in 28 medical centres in 11 countries to establish the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among Asians. The study also sought to identify the factors related to the occurrence of incontinence. A total of 5,506 females and 2,369 males were included in the study. Among the demographic factors studied, older age, higher parity, manual labour (occupation), positive family history of voiding dysfunction and a lower income were found to be associated with the occurrence of UI. The study has shown that the problem of urinary incontinence among Asians is significant, although prevalence is lower than that of the western population. The demographic profile of the affected population presented in this study may provide the working basis for more in-depth investigations on the condition, necessary for the creation of a successful health program to address this problem in the region.

The Epidemiology of Overactive Bladder among Asian Females (Full Paper) (Slides)

The Epidemiology of Overactive Bladder among Asian Males (Full Paper) (Slides)