APP-based treatment of urgency and mixed urinary incontinence in women: factors associated with long-term satisfaction

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024 May;309(5):2193-2202. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-07303-2. Epub 2023 Dec 23.

Abstract

Purpose: App-based treatment of urgency (UUI) and mixed (MUI) urinary incontinence has proved to be effective. To further improve treatment, it will be beneficial to analyze baseline and treatment-related factors that are associated with satisfaction.

Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted of data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing an app for UUI or MUI treatment, encompassing 98 women for whom there was long-term treatment satisfaction data. All participants completed a short-term (15 weeks) and a long-term (15 months) follow-up questionnaire after being given access to treatment. The outcome was a 3-item question on current treatment satisfaction at the long-term follow-up. Factors potentially associated with the outcome were analyzed using the chi-square test, Student's t test or logistic regression.

Results: At the long-term follow-up, 58% of the women were satisfied with the treatment. The most important baseline variable associated with satisfaction was incontinence-related quality of life (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) - Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life Module) (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.58-0.97). Short-term follow-up variables associated with long-term treatment satisfaction were improvement in the ability to endure urgency (OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.43-13.12), and confidence in pelvic floor contraction ability (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.04-6.82).

Conclusion: App-based treatment for UUI and MUI may be an alternative first-line treatment that is satisfactory to many women over the long-term. Furthermore, short-term treatment that focuses on improving the ability to endure urgency, and confidence in pelvic floor contraction ability, can also be recommended for long-term satisfaction.

Keywords: Mobile app; OAB; Treatment satisfaction; Urgency urinary incontinence; eHealth.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Incontinence* / therapy
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress*
  • Urinary Incontinence, Urge / therapy