Prevalence and predictors of lower urinary tract symptoms in Pakistani men: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of the condition of lower urinary tract symptoms in Pakistani men, determine its predictors and assess its impact on the quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted among men aged 30 years and over in three districts of Punjab province, Pakistan. The modified Urdu version of the International Prostate Symptom Score was used to assess the prevalence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms. Individuals with total symptom score ⩾8 were considered as having lower urinary tract symptoms. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22. The chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to assess the difference among categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Moreover, binary logistic regressions were performed to determine the predictors of lower urinary tract symptoms. Results: The overall prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in our sample was 33.7%. The frequency of individuals having mild, moderate and severe lower urinary tract symptoms was 66.3, 30.3 and 3.4%, respectively. Storage symptoms were more common than voiding symptoms (35.6% vs 28.2%, respectively). Increasing age (one-decade interval age stratum), higher education levels, working status (currently not working), smoking, hypertension, diabetes and renal impairment were positive predictors of lower urinary tract symptoms. Moreover, the condition of lower urinary tract symptoms was associated with a significant reduction in an individual's quality of life. Conclusion: Around one-third of adult Pakistani men suffer from clinically relevant urinary symptoms, with lower urinary tract symptoms sufferers having poor quality of life as compared to non-sufferers. We recommend that the aging population should be made aware of conventional measures to mitigate mild urinary symptoms affecting their routine activities.

Prevalence and associated risk factors among patients with overactive bladder syndrome in Pakistan

“…Difference in the increase probably is due to survey methods, design of questionnaires, study populations and definition of dissimilarity of OAB. 8,15 In the literature, some of the studies try to find out the risk factor of OABS. Alcohol consumption, parity, marital status, lower educational level, drug use, hypertension, obesity and advanced age may be called to be the risk factors of OABS.…”

“…Difference in the increase probably is due to survey methods, design of questionnaires, study populations and definition of dissimilarity of OAB. 8 , 15 …”

“… 7 According to a survey conducted in Pakistan; OAB is found 10.8% in men and 12.8% in women. 8 It is underestimated because a large number of patients are unable to get help as they are ignorant or embarrassed. To explain the pathophysiology of OAB, the research has proposed four theories, the autonomous theory, the afferent signaling theory, myogenic theory and the neurogenic theory.…”

Prevalence and predictors of lower urinary tract symptoms in Solomon Islander adult men

“…The overall prevalence in this study is low compared to studies in Asia, Australia and other countries. 1,6,7,8,21–22 Previous studies have suggested that the prevalence of LUTS increases as men age. This trend was not observed in the current study, as the prevalence of LUTS was almost the same in younger men (18–29 years) as it was in older men (⩾30 years).…”

“…Findings from epidemiological studies in several Asian countries have reported a high prevalence of LUTS ranging from 39.7% to 83.4% among men aged ⩾40 years. 1,4 –7 Studies conducted in Australia reported a prevalence ranging from 19.4% to 21.9% among men aged ⩾40 years. 8,9…”