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Clinical Research

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

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases volume 15, pages 273–277 (2012)Cite this article

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A Corrigendum to this article was published on 28 August 2012

A Corrigendum to this article was published on 20 March 2012

This article has been updated

Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to sincerely acknowledge the contributions of the members of Community Health Project Group 5 (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine NUS): Ang Xiao Hong Joella, Chang Jia En Marianne, Chong Xi Zi Cheryl, Choy Mun Yoong Darren, Chua Hui Wen, Fong Yu Kane Liesel, Gan Zhi- Wei Jonathan, Goh Zhao Jing, Goh Jun Chance, Hwang Vanessa, Koh Yan Tong, Koo Chee Hoe, Kanneganti Abhiram, Sandhya G. Krishnan, Kwa Xian Wen Charlene, Lai Tian Rui Ray, Lee Zhe Min Michael, Lee Chun Yi Edward, Lee Jin Fu Marcus, Lee Elin, Lee Wei Chee, Liang Zhiren Benjamin, Lim Yuan Ling Amanda, Lim Jia Yan, Ng Si Ren Alex, Ng Hui Zhi Beatrice, Quah Li Juan Joy, Shen Jia Yi, Soh Jie Min Leonard, Soon Shook Ting Gwyneth, Sze Kai Ping, Tan Yan Yuan, Tan ZhiRong Julio, Tang Zhe Ying Jonathan, Tay Hu-Lin, Wong Jing Ling Jeslyn, community at Bedok North, and staff of Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore

    C Chong, L Fong & R Lai

  2. Department of Urology (Singapore General Hospital), Singapore

    W K O Lau

  3. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore

    M Hartmann & S E Chia

Authors
  1. C Chong
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  2. L Fong
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Correspondence to S E Chia.

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Chong, C., Fong, L., Lai, R. et al. The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and treatment-seeking behaviour in males over 40 years in Singapore: a community-based study. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 15, 273–277 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/pcan.2011.69

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