The association of depression with lower urinary tract symptoms: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2008

Background To identify the factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), we investigated associations between psychological factors, including depression and sleep disorders, and LUTS using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Materials and Methods The NHANES database was examined for the period of 2005 to 2008. Men older than 40 years, who had completed questionnaires surveying their kidney/urologic, prostate, mental health, and sleep conditions were included in this study. LUTS was defined as the presence of two or more of the following symptoms: incomplete emptying, urinary hesitancy, urinary frequency, and nocturia. Multivariable models using logistic regression were used to compare groups of men with or without LUTS. Results Of 1,820 participants, 110 (6.1%) men reported depression, and 235 (12.9%) presented with LUTS. Men with LUTS were older and had a significantly higher prevalence of depression and unemployment. Sleep disorder was not associated with LUTS. Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that men reporting moderate depression had the highest age-adjusted odds (odds ratio = 5.89, 95% CI [3.44–10.11]; p  < 0.001) of reporting clinical LUTS. Conclusions A significant association was observed between LUTS and depression, and between LUTS and employment status. Although the pathophysiology of these relationships is unclear, physicians should consider multi-disciplinary evaluation and treatment approaches for LUTS.