Overactive bladder among medical and nonmedical students: A comparative study of prevalence and impact on quality of life

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a urological syndrome characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, and, in some cases, urge incontinence in the absence of infection or other identifiable pathology. It can significantly impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through physical discomfort, psychological distress, and social embarrassment. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of OAB and its impact on HRQoL among medical and nonmedical university students in Pakistan. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between February and October 2025 among 418 university students (217 medical and 201 nonmedical) recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, including the Overactive Bladder Awareness Tool, the Perception of Academic Stress Scale, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Overactive Bladder Module. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables, independent t tests for group comparisons, ANOVA for differences across academic years, and logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with OAB. A P-value < .05 was considered statistically significant. OAB symptoms were reported by 23.2% of students. Smoking was significantly associated with OAB (50% in smokers vs 21.4% in nonsmokers, P = .002). In logistic regression analysis, smoking (odds ratio = 0.334, P = .029) and greater HRQoL impact (odds ratio = 1.16, P = .004) were independently associated with OAB. OAB severity scores were positively correlated with HRQoL impairment (ρ = 0.234, P < .001). Despite the burden of symptoms, only 11.7% of affected students sought medical care, while medical students demonstrated greater awareness of treatment options compared with nonmedical students (P = .046). Nearly 1 in 4 university students experienced OAB symptoms, which were associated with significant impairment in HRQoL but remained largely underrecognized and undertreated. This highlights a substantial gap between symptom burden and healthcare-seeking behavior, underscoring the need for targeted awareness, lifestyle modification, and improved access to care in university settings.