Association of Workplace Toilet Access with Urinary Tract Symptoms and Productivity Loss among Female

Abstract Purpose Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent among women, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their quality of working life. We investigate workplace toilet access related to LUTS among women in the Korean workforce. Materials and methods An online survey was conducted to determine the demographic characteristics, occupational risk factors, and urinary tract symptoms among employed Korean women. Occupational risk factors included three survey questions on access to toilets at work: A) enduring urinary symptoms at work; B) capability to use the toilet at will during work, and C) needing to use the toilet during work but were unable to. The LUTS were assessed using the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-urinary incontinence short form (ICIQ-SF). Health-related productivity losses (HRPL) were estimated using the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire for urinary symptoms. Multiple logistic regression was used to determined the association between workplace toilet access and LUTS. In addition, generalised linear regression analysis was performed to assess HRPL according to workplace toilet access. Results Of the 1057 participants, 260 (24.6%) and 294 (27.81%) had overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, respectively. More than 50% reported poor access to toilet. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the lower the access to toilets in the workplace, the higher the incidence of LUTS and the higher HRPL. Conclusions Restricted access to toilets at work are associated with poor urinary health and loss of productivity. The results highlight the need for interventions to improve the workplace environment. Key messages • Restricted access to toilets at work are associated with poor urinary health and loss of productivity. • The results highlight the need for interventions to improve the workplace environment.