Effect of vacation on urinary symptoms in health care workers: an Italian multicenter study

Background: Aim of our study was to assess the impact of vacation on urinary symptoms in health care workers. Methods: Between March 2018 to October 2019 a survey was carried out by enrolling health care system workers in three centers. Demographic and clinical characteristics of health care workers (i.e. age, smoking status, medical history) were collected. Lower Urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and work related quality of life were assessed before and after vacation with validated questionnaires: Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OABq-sf), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Work-related Quality of Life (WRQOL) and SF-36 questionnaires. As well, Night Shift Workers (NSWs), defined as working at least one time a week from 8 pm to 8 am, were compared to traditional workers (TWs). Results: A total of 236 participants (118 males and 118 females) with a median of 41 (32/49 IQR) years old were included in the survey. Healthcare workers presented after vacation an improvement in LUTS, in work related quality of life and overall health. Overall, 89 (37%) were NSWs and 147 (62%) subjects were TWs. NSWs reported a significant higher median OABq total score and IPSS than TWs: respectively, 27 (IQR 23-34) vs 20 (IQR 19-24) p 0,01, 2 (0/6) vs 0 (0/2) (p<0,01). No significative differences were found for WRQOL and SF36, respectively 66 (IQR 59/77) vs 67 (IQR 61/82) (p<0,29) and 98 (97/101) vs 98 (97/100) (p<0,79). Conclusions: NSWs present worst urinary symptoms when compared to TWs. Vacation has a beneficial effect, particularly in NSWs, on urinary symptoms and work related quality of life.