Study Links Osteoarthritis to Increased Risk of Overactive Bladder: Insights from NHANES 2005-2020

"Arthritis was linked to a 37% increased likelihood of developing overactive bladder (OR = 1.37). Among the different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis exhibited the strongest association (OR = 1.40), while rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis did not show significant links to OAB," the researchers reported in Scientific Reports. "Additionally, OAB was more prevalent in individuals with diabetes and hypertension, highlighting the importance of integrated management strategies for these coexisting conditions."

Arthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, affects millions of people worldwide, while OAB is marked by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia. Both conditions are known to significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, but the association between them remains unclear. Considering this, Ninghan Feng, Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China, and colleagues aimed to explore the potential connection between arthritis and OAB.

For this purpose, the researchers used data from the NHANES database covering 2005 to 2020. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) was employed to diagnose OAB, while arthritis was diagnosed based on responses to the health questionnaire. Weighted logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between OAB and arthritis. To enhance the reliability of the findings, the researchers conducted subgroup analyses and interaction tests.

Key Findings of the study were as follows:

• The study included 24,436 participants.
• After adjusting for covariates, a positive association between arthritis and OAB was found (OR = 1.37).
• There was a positive association between osteoarthritis (OA) and OAB (OR = 1.40).
• There was no significant correlation between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and OAB (OR = 1.20).
• Psoriatic arthritis showed no significant association with OAB (OR = 1.40).

The research indicates that individuals with osteoarthritis may have an increased likelihood of developing overactive bladder (OAB) compared to those without arthritis, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.

"As a result, urologists should consider evaluating the musculoskeletal status of patients with OAB during diagnosis and treatment. To validate these findings, further large-scale, prospective studies are necessary," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Sun, Y., Sheng, J., Wang, K., & Feng, N. (2025). New insights into the association between arthritis and overactive bladder in NHANES 2005–2020. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89926-w