The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and treatment-seeking behaviour in males over 40 years in Singapore: a community-based study

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to report the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), bother and related quality of life (QOL) and health-seeking behaviour in men 40 years old or older in Singapore. METHODS: The study was a community-based, cross-sectional study targeting males 40 years and above in the township of Bedok North, Singapore. An interviewer-administered questionnaire inclusive of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was used to score symptom severity objectively. RESULTS: There were a total of 644 respondents. In all, 16.5% of patients with LUTS had moderate-to-severe LUTS (IPSS >= 8). The prevalence of LUTS was found to be significantly associated with age, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The impact on QOL because of LUTS was proportional to the severity of LUTS. Nocturia was associated with the most bother. Out of the respondents with moderate-to-severe LUTS, 71.7% of them did not seek help for their symptoms. CONCLUSION: The investigators thus conclude that LUTS is common in our population and has significant impact on QOL. However, <30% of patients with moderate-to-severe LUTS sought medical attention for symptoms. We believe that steps should be taken to increase public awareness and variability of treatment options to address this problem facing the growing number of elderly men in the population.