J Korean Acad Nurs.  2005 Dec;35(8):1508-1513.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Community-Dwelling Elderly in Korea

• Lee EH
• Chun KH
• Lee Y

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study was done to identify the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and BPHrelated symptoms among community-dwelling elderly men in Korea. In addition, quality of life and health care-seeking behavior were explored. METHODS: A total of 417 elderly men were surveyed using the IPSS (International Prostatic Symptom Score) and a structured questionnaire on health care-seeking behaviors. RESULTS: The prevalence of BPH was 19.7%. Of those with BPH, 80.3% reported mild symptoms, 13.2% moderate symptoms, and 6.5% severe symptoms. The severity of BPH-related symptoms was significantly correlated with quality of life. Among those with BPH, 42.7% had never consulted with anyone about their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: BPH has emerged as a serious public health problem in elderly men. Elderly people who experience worse symptoms of BPH have a lower quality of life. Many elderly with BPH do not seek health care, mainly due to misconceptions about BPH. The provision of educational programs for BPH may significantly improve the quality of life of elderly men.

Keyword

benign prostatic hyperplasia; elderly; Korea

MeSH Terms

Statistics, Nonparametric
Quality of Life
Prostatic Hyperplasia/complications/*epidemiology/prevention & control
Prevalence
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Male
Korea/epidemiology
Humans
Health Surveys
Aged, 80 and over
Aged