The association between education level and overactive bladder: Evidence from a U.S. population-based study

Abstract

Background: Education level significantly impacts individual health outcomes. This research investigates the correlation between education level and the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: This study employed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005 to 2020 to conduct a thorough investigation of the association between educational level and OAB using multivariable logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, and generalized additive model. Results: Out of 37,423 surveyed participants from the United States, 8,033 were identified with OAB. The comprehensive adjusted model revealed a notable inverse correlation between education level and OAB prevalence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.83–0.89, P < 0.001). When education level was categorized, participants with the highest educational qualification (college graduates or higher) had a 44 % lower likelihood of having OAB compared to those with the lowest education (below 9th grade) (OR = 0.56, 95 % CI = 0.47–0.66, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings underscore a substantial inverse correlation between education level and OAB prevalence. Although continued research is required to confirm these findings, educational attainment may guide the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for OAB.

Keywords

• Education level
• Socioeconomic status
• Overactive bladder
• American adults
• NHANES