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Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in Finnish men: a population‐based study
Author(s) -
Koskimäki,
Hakama,
Huhtala,
Tammela
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1046/j.1464-410x.1998.00565.x
Subject(s) - lower urinary tract symptoms , urinary system , medicine , demography , sociology , prostate , cancer
Objective To determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Finnish men, using a population‐based cross‐sectional survey. Subjects and methods In 1994, a modified Danish prostatic symptom score system (DAN‐PSS‐1) questionnaire on the occurrence and severity of LUTS was mailed to all men (3143) born in 1924, 1934 or 1944 living in the city of Tampere or 11 rural and semi‐rural municipalities in the same county. Results After exclusions, 68% of the men were ultimately included in the study. LUTS were common and increased with age so that the prevalence of at least one symptom was 89% in the whole population (84% among 50‐year‐old, 91% among 60‐year‐old and 94% among 70‐year‐old men). Most of the symptoms were mild, with post‐micturition dribbling and nocturia the most prevalent symptoms, and stress incontinence the least prevalent. Conclusions The high incidence of LUTS may indicate a high prevalence of benign prostatic enlargement secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia, but other causes are also involved. With the increase in the mean age of the general population, the number of individuals with LUTS is likely to increase and must be considered when resources are planned for medical care.