The prevalence and bother of lower urinary tract symptoms in men and women aged 40 years or over in Taiwan
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
118
Journal Issue
1P1
Pages
170-178
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
Background/Purpose: The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women in the general population in Taiwan is unclear. Community-based data on the epidemiology and effects of LUTS would therefore help improve understanding of the condition in this country. Methods: This study was an internet-based, self-administered survey, conducted in randomly selected adults aged ?40 years. Participants answered questions on International Continence Society (ICS) symptom definitions, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the overactive bladder (OAB) symptom score. Results: The study population comprised 2068 adults (51.4% women) with a mean age of 55 years. Using criteria from the ICS, LUTS were present in 60% of men and 57% of women. The prevalence of LUTS increased with age in both men and women. The most bothersome symptoms were terminal dribble, incomplete emptying and nocturia in men, and nocturia, perceived frequency and urgency in women. In the overall population, according to IPSS, 30% had at least moderate symptoms. OAB prevalence was 16% in both men and women. The likelihood of consulting a healthcare professional about urinary symptoms was low and not significantly different between men and women with LUTS (17% and 14%, respectively). Conclusion: More than half of men and women aged ?40 years in Taiwan are affected by LUTS, and these symptoms are often bothersome. However, few individuals with LUTS consult healthcare professionals about their symptoms. Improved diagnosis and treatment of LUTS in Taiwan are needed to reduce the deleterious effects of the condition. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02618421. ? 2018
Subjects
Lower urinary tract symptoms; Overactive bladder; Prevalence; Taiwan
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; Article; bladder emptying; epidemiological data; female; groups by age; health survey; human; International Prostate Symptom Score; lower urinary tract symptom; major clinical study; male; middle aged; nocturia; overactive bladder; population; prevalence; scoring system; sex difference; urinary frequency; urinary urgency; aged; cross-sectional study; Internet; lower urinary tract symptom; pathophysiology; prevalence; quality of life; questionnaire; severity of illness index; sex ratio; Taiwan; very elderly; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Internet; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Distribution; Surveys and Questionnaires; Taiwan
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article