Patient satisfaction with extended release tolterodine or oxybutynin in overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of individual and condition characteristics on satisfaction with extended release tolterodine or oxybutynin in overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS: Data were from the 2005 National Health and Wellness Survey, an annual, nationally representative, self-administered, internet-based survey of 40,000+ US adults (age 18+). Inclusion criteria for analysis were diagnosed OAB and using extended release tolterodine or oxybutynin but no other prescription medications for OAB. Satisfaction with extended release tolterodine or oxybutynin was rated on a five-point scale from 1 = not at all satisfied to 5 = extremely satisfied. Linear regression was used to evaluate independent effects demographics, patient perception of OAB, duration of use, requesting of medication, type of prescribing physician, medication compliance, and mental and physical health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study, Eight-item Short-Form Health Survey; SF-8) on treatment satisfaction.

RESULTS: There were 345 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Apparent predictors of medication satisfaction, in order of magnitude of effect, were: feelings that OAB is just an inconvenience (standardized beta = -0.28; p < 0.001); less impact of OAB on daily life (standardized beta = 0.24; p < 0.001); longer duration of use (standardized beta = 0.10; p = 0.052); overwhelming urges to urinate (standardized beta = 0.10; p = 0.061); younger age (standardized beta = -0.10; p = 0.054); and more frequent medication use (standardized beta = 0.09; p = 0.096).

LIMITATIONS: Data were cross-sectional and self-reported by patients via the internet.

CONCLUSIONS: Patient treatment satisfaction is affected by perceptions of OAB symptoms and impact, as well as consistent, long-term use of prescription treatments. Clinicians should reinforce to patients the importance of long-term compliance for successful treatment.