Work-Related Stress and Behavioural Correlates of Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Profiles in Female Nurses: A Latent Class Analysis Based on the Nurse Urinary Related Health Study

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to identify symptom clusters in a population-based sample of female nurses who reported experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and examine distinct risk factor profiles within each symptom cluster, with an emphasis on modifiable lifestyle and work-related factors.

Materials and Methods: This study included 6735 female nurses who reported experiencing at least one LUTS. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify symptom clusters by jointly modelling 11 symptoms. Analysis of variance, chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine distinct risk factor profiles within each symptom cluster.

Results: On average, female nurses experienced 2.2 symptoms. Four clusters were identified: the multiple severe symptoms (n = 546, 8%), incontinence symptoms (n = 2089, 31%), urgency–hesitancy symptoms (n = 3357, 50%) and nocturia symptoms (n = 743, 11%). Unique profiles of female nurses were associated with each symptom cluster and demonstrated the influential role of work-related factors in the development of LUTS. These factors included a demanding workload, heightened levels of perceived stress, extended work hours, engagement in night shifts, infrequent and delayed voiding behaviours and restriction of fluid intake.

Conclusions: Our findings substantiate the vulnerability of female nurses to LUTS, which is attributable to their demanding work environments. LUTS among female nurses should be recognised as an occupational hazard and remains an understood topic in the workplace, warranting attention and tailoring of intervention strategies.

Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers should be aware that LUTS represent an occupational hazard for nurses and that high-stress work environments and inappropriate urination behaviours adversely affect nurses’ bladder health. Addressing LUTS-related issues requires increased staffing levels along with a fundamental shift in workplace culture. Fostering a culture of self-care with an emphasis on bladder health promotion is imperative for nursing professionals and employed women.