A Study for the Development of Prostate Associated Urinary Tract Symptoms in Occupational Taxi Drivers

Oh, Kyung Jin; Oh, Bong Ryoul; Ryu, Soo Bang

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was performed in order to evaluate the factors related to the development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostate associated symptoms of professional taxi drivers in Korea, who had to abstain from adequate voiding on working time.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study, including 192 professional taxi drivers and 120 sedentary desk workers (control group), was performed. The subjects were assessed by a questionnaire that was composed of three parts; structurized 13 basic questions including voiding abstinence, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and National Institute of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). All possible factors that affect the presence of LUTS and prostate associated symptoms were analyzed, such as age, the duration of service, on-duty time per day, and length of voiding abstinence.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in age between the taxi driver group and the control group. The duration of service of the control group was significantly longer, however, on-duty time per day was significantly longer in the taxi driver group than the control group (p<0.01). The length of voiding abstinence during duty was significantly longer in the taxi driver group than the control group (p<0.01). The total score, irritative symptom score, obstructive symptom score, and quality of life score of the IPSS questionnaire were significantly high in the taxi driver group (p<0.01). Also, the total score, pain score, urinary symptom score, and quality of life impact score of the NIH-CPSI questionnaire were significantly higher in the taxi driver group (p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
LUTS and prostate associated symptoms were more frequent and severe in the taxi driver group than the control group. The habitual abstinence of voiding and prolonged sedentary working environments could contribute to poor voiding function and prostate associated symptoms in taxi drivers.