OBJECTIVE:

To explore the Quality of life among male patients with Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) presenting at LUMHS using International Prostatic Symptom Score.

METHOD:

Cross-sectional study was conducted at LUMHS, Jamshoro among male patients ≥50 years or coming with LUTS associated with enlargement of prostate with symptoms for at least 3 months. Non probability convenience sampling technique was utilized. Participants were interviewed a questionnaire for recording IPSS. The questions inquired incomplete emptying, frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining, and nocturia. Last question determines patient’s perceived QOL. Chi square test was applied to determine level of significance.

RESULTS:

Among 312 participants, mean age was 71±4. 140(44.8%) patients were < 70 years of age whereas 172(55.1%) were > 70 years. IPSS scoring was 75(24.0%) mild, 124(39.7%) moderate and 113(36.2%) severe symptoms. Nocturia was most frequently presented LUTS. Significant association was noted between IPSS and age (p value = 0.001) with severe symptoms recorded in increased age patients. BMI was also reported to have significant association with LUTS. 31(9.93%) patients reported mixed QOL, 103(33.01%) patients reported mostly dissatisfied, 100(32.05%) patients reported unhappy, and 78 (25%) patients reported as having terrible QOL. Significant association was found between IPSS and QOL scores. (p.value=0.001)

CONCLUSION:

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms significantly impact quality of life and are associated with high IPSS score and advanced age. For alleviating urinary symptoms knowledge of conventional measures should be given to aging population.

KEY WORDS:

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, LUTS, Quality of Life, QOL, IPSS score