Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Help-Seeking in Male Primary Care Attendees

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common among elderly men. However, seeking help for this problem is mostly delayed until complications arise. Primary care clinics serve as the first point of contact for a person's health needs throughout their life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LUTS among primary care attendees, and the factors that influence seeking medical intervention at primary care clinics.

METHODS: Using a universal sampling technique, 460 male patients aged 60 and above visiting an urban based public primary care clinic were recruited. An interviewer administered the questionnaire which used International Prostate Symptoms Score and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-Quality of Life.

RESULTS: The prevalence of any LUTS and clinically significant LUTS were 89.8% and 20.5%, respectively. Among the 385 participants who completed the study, only 41.8% had consulted a doctor for LUTS. Among those with moderate/severe symptoms only 57.6% had sought medical intervention. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of more than two comorbidities (P=0.004; odds ratio [OR], 4.695; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.632-13.508) and quality of life (P=0.002; OR, 1.271; 95% CI, 1.091-1.481) were independent factors significantly associated with seeking help.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence of LUTS among elderly men undergoing primary care is high, but more than half of the patients had not sought medical attention. Increasing comorbidities and impact on quality of life influenced elderly men with LUTS to seek help.