Catheter Related Bladder Discomfort: Epidemiological Aspects and Predictive Factors at Kamenge University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is a frequent complication following transurethral urinary catheterization. It is characterized by suprapubic discomfort, urinary urgency, burning sensation, agitation, and sometimes attempts to remove the catheter. This study aimed to determine the incidence and associated factors of CRBD among catheterized patients at Kamenge University Hospital. Methods: We conducted a prospective analytical cohort study including all adult patients who underwent transurethral urinary catheterization between March and August 2024. CRBD was operationally defined as the presence of suprapubic discomfort, urgency, burning sensation, agitation, or attempt to remove the catheter within 24 hours after catheter insertion. Patients were classified into two groups: CRBD and non-CRBD. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with CRBD. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 321 patients were included (183 females and 138 males), with a mean age of 33.6 ± 12.4 years. CRBD occurred in 175 patients, yielding an incidence of 54.5%. The most frequent symptom was suprapubic discomfort (79.4%). Factors independently associated with CRBD were age < 50 years (OR 3.31, p = 0.00004), male gender (OR 8.82, p = 0.0001), previous history of bladder catheterization (OR 5.60, p = 0.0001), prior gyneco-obstetric surgery among females (OR 1.56, p = 0.00011), catheter size ≥ 18 Fr (OR 6.05, p = 0.0003), and catheter lubrication was strongly protective (OR 0.02, p = 0.0003). Conclusion: CRBD affected more than half of catheterized patients in our setting. Both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors were identified. Preventive strategies, particularly appropriate catheter size selection and systematic lubrication, may help reduce its incidence.