Nocturia: impact on quality of life in a Dutch adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of nocturia on quality of life (QoL) and to assess the associated effects of sleep problems. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From a random sample of Dutch adults (>/= 18 years old) 1000 were selected after stratification to complete a written questionnaire. Respondents (819) were distributed over three groups: a target group (189, who felt bothered by >/= one void/night); a reference group 1 (120 reporting >/= two voids/night but with no bother); and reference group 2 (510, with 0-1 voids/night). Nocturia, other lower urinary tract symptoms and perceived impact on life were measured using the Bristol Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire (B-LUTS). Sleep problems were measured using the Sleep Wake Experience List (SWEL) and QoL using two subscales from the RAND-36, i.e. 'physical functioning' and 'mental health'. RESULTS: The perceived impact on life was highest in the target group (P < 0.05), which also had more sleep problems and scored lower on the QoL scores than both reference groups (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in mental health and physical functioning between the target and reference groups became insignificant after correcting for sleep problems, indicating that the effect of nocturia (with bother) is mediated by sleep problems. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia may lead to sleep insufficiency and consequently to a decrease in mental and physical health. Patients who consult a doctor for nocturia should thus be treated adequately. In addition, it is worthwhile for doctors to routinely check if patients who contact them for sleep problems also have nocturia.

Nocturia in the Dutch adult population.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of nocturia in the Dutch adult population, its association with sociodemographic and health characteristics, and to assess problems experienced by persons with nocturia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In spring 2001 a telephone survey was conducted among a representative sample of 4721 Dutch respondents (response 53%). Using questions from the Bristol Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire respondents were asked about having nocturia and the problems they experienced. In addition, questions were asked about sociodemographic and health characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of nocturia (a mean of twice or more/night) among Dutch men and women over 18 years old was 13%, standardized for age and sex. Women had nocturia more often than men (16% vs 9%) and the prevalence was positively associated with age, poor health status and use of medication. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of nocturia in Dutch men and women differs more than reported in earlier studies. The prevalence in the Netherlands seems slightly higher than in other Western countries, but Dutch persons with nocturia report fewer problems. Nocturia does not occur in isolation and is associated with sleep disturbances. It is worthwhile for general practitioners to routinely check whether patients who contact them for lower urinary tract symptoms or sleeping disorders have nocturia.