Comparison of Visual Prostate Symptom Score with the International Prostate Symptom Score and uroflowmetry parameters in assessing men with lower urinary tract symptoms in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: The complexity of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) as an objective questionnaire for lower urinary tract symptoms might be overcome with alternative questionnaire such as the Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) which uses pictograms instead of questions to illustrate some of the questions addressed in IPSS. METHODS: Male patients older than 45 years with lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated with Indonesian version of the IPSS and VPSS, for uroflowmetry parameters using a transabdominal ultrasound. Appropriate statistical analysis was used. RESULTS: Of all participants, 24.2% and 11.1% require assistance when answering IPSS and VPSS questionnaires, respectively. The mean age, IPSS total score, VPSS total score, Qmax, voided volume, and postvoid residual volume were 67.4 ± 8.9 years, 13.4 ± 7.8, 10.8 ± 2.7, 13.6 ± 8.6 mL/sec, 248 ± 136 mL, and 54.9 ± 68.3 mL, respectively. Total IPSS, IPSS quality of life (QoL), IPSS question (Q) 2, IPSS Q7, and IPSS Q5 were significantly correlated with total VPSS, VPSS QoL, VPSS Q1, VPSS Q2, and VPSS Q3 [correlation coefficient (r) P value: 0.57, <0.001; 0.76, <0.001; 0.39, <0.001; 0.72, <0.001; 0.50, <0.001, respectively]. VPSS Q3 was significantly correlated with Qmax (r, P value: −0.26, <0.001). There was a significant relationship between the level of education and the ability to complete IPSS questionnaire (P < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between the level of education and the ability to complete VPSS questionnaire (P = 0.649). CONCLUSION: The VPSS was significantly correlated with IPSS and Qmax. The novel questionnaire proved useful as an alternative tool for IPSS for assessing men with lower urinary tract symptoms, especially for those with lower level of education.