Men reluctant to consult for lower urinary tract symptoms

January 01, 0001

Men reluctant to consult for lower urinary tract symptoms

The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) varies among different populations but the rate of seeking medical advice is consistently low. Little is known about the reasons for this low rate. In the city of Macau, China, primary healthcare is free and easily accessible to all citizens. The researchers studied the patients' rate of consulting for LUTS and their reasons for not consulting under a free healthcare system. A convenience sample of 549 male patients aged 40-85 years in a government health centre filled in the International Prostate Symptoms Scale (IPSS) questionnaire. They were also asked if they had consulted doctors for LUTS, and if not, why not.

Of the whole sample, 11.7% men had ever consulted doctors for LUTS. Of 145 with moderate to severe LUTS, 24.1% consulted. Of 73 who were dissatisfied with their quality of life, 30.1% consulted. Regarding the symptoms as normal or not problematic was the main reason for not consulting. Advancing age and duration of symptoms were the significant factors for consulting.

The reseachers concluded: "Primary care doctors could help many of LUTS patients by sensitively initiating the discussion when these patients consult for other problems."

Yes, things can be done at the surgery level, but also at the community level.

For the full abstract, click here.

Asia Pacific Family Medicine 10(7), 8 June 2011 © 2011 BioMed Central Ltd
In a free healthcare system, why do men not consult for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)?. U Chong Lai, Yuk Tsan Wun, Tze Chao Luo and Sai Meng Pang. Correspondence to U Chong Lai: [email protected]

Category: U. Urinary System, HSR. Health Services Research. Keywords: lower urinary tract symptome, LUTS, men, help-seeking behaviour, primary care, free healthcare, cohort questionnaire, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 24 June 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.