Investig Clin Urol.  2018 May;59(3):166-176. 10.4111/icu.2018.59.3.166.

The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in population aged 40 years or over, in South Korea

• Yoo TK
• Lee KS
• Sumarsono
• Kim ST
• Kim HJ
• Lee HC
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2410589
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/icu.2018.59.3.166

Abstract

PURPOSE
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can be distressing and socially isolating, and the economic impact can be substantial. Further data to characterize the epidemiology and effects of LUTS in South Korea would be beneficial.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In an international, internet-based survey, the prevalence and impact of LUTS was evaluated in adults aged ≥40 years. Questions related to International Continence Society (ICS) symptom definitions and the bother associated with each symptom. The international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) were assessed.
RESULTS
Of the 2,080 participants from South Korea, 1,090 (52.4%) were women and 740 (35.6%) were aged ≥60 years. The prevalence of LUTS according to ICS criteria was 68.2% (men, 70.6%; women, 66.0%). LUTS prevalence increased significantly with age (p=0.01 in men and women). Storage symptoms only were reported in 16.2% of men and 30.5% of women, making this the most common ICS symptom group overall. Individual symptoms with the highest prevalence in the overall population were nocturia, frequency, and weak stream (36%, 30%, and 29%, respectively). IPSS results showed that 40.1% of participants had at least moderate symptoms. The prevalence of OABSS-defined overactive bladder was 19.7% (men, 19.5%; women, 19.9%). Fourteen percent of individuals with any LUTS visited healthcare professionals regarding urinary symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
LUTS affect the majority of adults aged ≥40 years in South Korea. The low percentage of individuals with LUTS consulting healthcare professionals regarding urinary symptoms indicates a need to improve rates of diagnosis and treatment.

Keyword

Lower urinary tract symptoms; Prevalence; Republic of Korea; Urinary bladder, overactive

MeSH Terms

Adult
Delivery of Health Care
Diagnosis
Epidemiology
Female
Humans
Korea*
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms*
Male
Nocturia
Prevalence*
Prostate
Republic of Korea
Rivers
Urinary Bladder, Overactive

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) based on (A) International Continence Society (ICS) definition, (B) international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and (C) overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS). PM, post-micturition.

• 

  Fig. 2 Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) according to International Continence Society symptom definitions: men and women. PM, post-micturition; S, storage; V, voiding.

• 

  Fig. 3 Prevalence of specific symptoms and bother: men and women. Bother score based on percentage of patients who experienced the symptom; numbers at top of bar represent overall prevalence.

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  Fig. 4 Healthcare according to International Continence Society (ICS) symptoms: (A) individuals visiting a healthcare professional for any reason and (B) visiting a healthcare professional for urinary symptoms. LUTS, lower urinary tract symptoms; PM, post-micturition. a:approximately 5% did not answer, b:approximately 8% did not answer, c:approximately 6% did not answer.

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