Heterogeneity in epidemiological investigations of bladder control problems: a problem of definition

Definition of overactive bladder and epidemiology of urinary incontinence

Abstract Objectives To review the definition of the overactive bladder and to summarize the results of epidemiologic studies on this specific disorder as well as urinary incontinence (UI) in general. Methods From a literature search covering the time period from 1954 through 1995, 48 epidemiologic studies and several other publications dealing with the prevalence and natural history of UI were reviewed. A metaanalysis of reported data was performed with respect to incontinence definitions, investigation methods, home country of survey, sex, and age groups. Results Differences in definitions of incontinence, target populations, and study design in different investigations resulted in inhomog…