ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OVERACTIVE BLADDER AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION, IN QASSIM REGION, SAUDI ARABIA.

Introduction: Urinary urgency that is abrupt and uncontrollable, sometimes accompanied by increased frequency of voiding during the day and nocturia, is a set of symptoms known as an overactive bladder (OAB). An increasing number of people are concerned about the health effects of overactive bladder and symptoms of functional constipation, such as straining and painful, irregular bowl movements.

Methods: A sample of 556 members of the general population of the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia were used in this randomized descriptive cross-sectional survey study. Online surveys were filled out by the participants, who were guaranteed anonymity.

Results: The incidence of functional constipation was 25.2%, and the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) was 34.4%. There was a statistically significant correlation (p=0.025) between the OAB and functional constipation. A history of pelvic surgery (OR=1.80, p=0.047), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.52, p=0.021), female gender (OR=1.84, p=0.003), smoking (OR=2.31, p=0.001), and an overactive bladder (OR=2.81, p<0.001) were all significant predictors of functional constipation. Female gender [AOR=1.722; 95% CI=1.149-2.580; p=0.008], having colorectal surgery [AOR=5.461; 95% CI=1.094-27.253; p=0.038], and having hypertension [AOR=0.458; 95% CI=0.219-0.955; p=0.037] were all substantially linked to the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between a greater incidence of OAB and being a student [AOR=0.611; 95% CI=0.405-0.924; p=0.019] or unemployed [AOR=0.515; 95% CI=0.267-0.993; p=0.048].

Conclusion: Overactive bladder (OAB) is linked to functional constipation, and smoking, being a woman, having diabetes, and having had pelvic surgery are common risk factors for functional constipation. Additionally, there was a strong correlation found between a higher prevalence of OAB and female gender, colorectal surgery, hypertension, and being a student or unemployed person. The substantial prevalence of these illnesses among the people living in Saudi Arabia's Qassim region is demonstrated by these data, underscoring the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns.