QoL and mental health of of patients with BPS/IC vs. OAB & SUI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Quality of life and mental health of patients with Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis compared with other urogynaecological conditions: a mixed methods study.
IRAS ID
271666
Contact name
Homen Chow
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study uses a mixed method design to ascertain whether there are differences in quality of life (QoL) and mental health outcomes for people living with Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (BPS/IC) compared to Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) or Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB). Recruitment will take place from urogynaecology clinics in a hospital setting and via online support groups for women living with the condition. BPS/IC is a chronic inflammatory pain condition related to the urinary bladder which predominately affects women. Currently, the precise causes of the disease remains unknown. Though not life-threatening, BPS/IC can severely disrupt quality of life (QoL), with profound effects on sleep and sexual dysfunction, depression, stress, and anxiety, with further adverse effects on familial relationships. SUI and OAB are two additional prevalent urogynaecological conditions affecting the urinary bladder. The central difference between BPS/IC and these urogynaecological conditions is the presence of persistent chronic pain. As such, the quantitative element of the study aims use questionnaire-based measures of QoL and mental health to ascertain whether QoL and mental health of (BPS/IC) is significantly worse than those living with SUI or OAB. The qualitative element of the study will use hour long in-depth open-ended interviews to elucidate how the condition affects the QoL and mental health of patients to provide greater detail about patient experiences of living with the condition. Currently, there is little qualitative focus on how people with BPS conceptualise their own QoL, nor how their experience of BPS affects their mental health. This information would assist clinicians in understanding how their treatment approach and the treatment pathway impact on the treatment experiences and subsequent lives of those living with BPS. It would also encourage clinicians to consider the mental health implications of living with BPS.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
19/WS/0168
Date of REC Opinion
26 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion