The total prevalent cases of overactive bladder (OAB) in the eight major markets (*8MM) are projected to increase from 363.3 million cases in 2020 to 401.6 million cases in 2030, equating to an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1.06%, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Overactive Bladder – Epidemiology Forecast to 2030’, reveals that in 2030, China will have the highest number of total prevalent cases of OAB in the 8MM at 249.3 million cases, whereas Spain will have the lowest number of cases with nearly 8.9 million. The overall increase in the total prevalence of OAB is mostly driven by population changes, as well as changes in the total prevalence of OAB in China.

Adults aged 50 years and older accounted for almost 63% of the total prevalent cases of OAB in the 8MM, while those ages five to 17 years accounted for less than 10%. Moreover, OAB has consistently been described in studies to be more common in women compared to men. In the 8MM, the total prevalent cases of OAB-wet were more common. In terms of comorbidity, stress incontinence was the most common type for OAB in the 8MM. Additionally, with the increasing aging population worldwide, the number of prevalent cases of OAB is expected to rise in the near future.

Antara Bhattacharya, MPH, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData, comments: “The disability associated with OAB primarily in older adults compromises the quality of life of affected individuals and significantly increases the economic burden. However, the disease is often underreported by patients, and poorly recognized in primary care as well as by specialists in integrated health systems.

“With a combined approach of behavioral modifications and medications, overall prognosis for OAB is generally good, and the quality of life of those affected by OAB can substantially improve. Also, epidemiological studies that aim to determine the temporal trends for OAB across different populations are required for better understanding of the etiology of OAB and providing further insight into disease prevention.”

*8MM: The US, 5EU (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), Japan, and China