In this study, the authors explored the experiences of patients with symptomatic nocturia from a qualitative perspective. Especially the daytime difficulties faced by patients were explorted, as well as any similarities or differences according to age and social roles. A total of 20 US patients with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria were interviewed, and purposive sampling was employed to ensure demographic diversity. The ages of participants ranged from 39 to 80, of which 40% were retired. The patient experience of nocturia changed according to the time of day, with three distinct phases: evening, night and the next day. In the evening, patients described coping behaviours in an attempt to reduce night-time voids. Their adapted behaviour was both the result of physician advice (limiting fluid intake, feet elevation) and self-directed strategies (limiting evening food consumption and staying up later to postpone disruption). During the night, patients spoke of the defining nocturia symptom preventing them from reaching a “deep sleep”. Much focus was given to the irritation as a result of this. The focus of this research was to document detailed accounts of ‘the next day’. Obviously the lack of sleep caused tiredness the next day. However, it is the detailed accounts of this and associated impacts that are of importance. Tiredness compounded mood changes, poor concentration and reductions in patients’ ability to drive and carry out key family roles. For the non-retired patients, reduced work productivity due to nocturia was an important part of their experience in this study. A valuable finding of this study was the apparent differences in experience according to age and employment status, where younger, employed participants reported daytime burden more frequently than older, retired participants.
Whilst prior studies have quantified the association between nocturia and its wider impacts, this study is a welcome addition to the body of literature due to its added depth of exploration, and presentation through the patient’s own words. Keeping this perspective in mind offers a more holistic view of the condition, and is helpful to communicate the impact of nocturia to a wider audience.
In this study, the authors explored the experiences of patients with symptomatic nocturia from a qualitative perspective. Especially the daytime difficulties faced by patients were explorted, as well as any similarities or differences according to age and social roles. A total of 20 US patients with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria were interviewed, and purposive sampling was employed to ensure demographic diversity. The ages of participants ranged from 39 to 80, of which 40% were retired. The patient experience of nocturia changed according to the time of day, with three distinct phases: evening, night and the next day. In the evening, patients described coping behaviours in an attempt to reduce night-time voids. Their adapted behaviour was both the result of physician advice (limiting fluid intake, feet elevation) and self-directed strategies (limiting evening food consumption and staying up later to postpone disruption). During the night, patients spoke of the defining nocturia symptom preventing them from reaching a “deep sleep”. Much focus was given to the irritation as a result of this. The focus of this research was to document detailed accounts of ‘the next day’. Obviously the lack of sleep caused tiredness the next day. However, it is the detailed accounts of this and associated impacts that are of importance. Tiredness compounded mood changes, poor concentration and reductions in patients’ ability to drive and carry out key family roles. For the non-retired patients, reduced work productivity due to nocturia was an important part of their experience in this study. A valuable finding of this study was the apparent differences in experience according to age and employment status, where younger, employed participants reported daytime burden more frequently than older, retired participants.
Whilst prior studies have quantified the association between nocturia and its wider impacts, this study is a welcome addition to the body of literature due to its added depth of exploration, and presentation through the patient’s own words. Keeping this perspective in mind offers a more holistic view of the condition, and is helpful to communicate the impact of nocturia to a wider audience.