Prevalence, risk factors and quality of life of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) among men attending Primary Care slum clinics in Bangalore: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Men, more than 50 years of age, have a higher incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and this increases with the advancing age. The prevalence of LUTS varies in different geographical areas across the world, and studies have reported that LUTS in men may significantly affect the quality of life (QoL) and influence their health-seeking behavior. Early detection of LUTS is essential as it is related to several complications. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LUTS and factors associated with LUTS and health-seeking behavior. METHODS: We interviewed 201 men (>50 years) attending two urban primary care clinics in Bangalore using the IPSS questionnaire and calculated the prevalence of LUTS. Factors associated with LUTS and health seeking-behavior were tested using the Chi-square test. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of LUTS was 85%. LUTS was significantly associated with those having diabetes and those consuming more than two cups of tea per day. The most common symptom was nocturia (85.4%) and a weak stream (35.0%). Moderate and severe LUTS were significantly associated with poor QoL score (P < 0.0001). Only 9.3% of the men sought medical help in spite of their symptoms, and the most common reason for seeking health care was the disturbance they had due to the urinary symptoms (81.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Family physicians should be aware that a significant proportion of the men in the age group of 50 years suffer from LUTS, and eliciting the same is essential during the process of consultation.