Why Men Don't Consult for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Author Information
Author(s): lai U Chong, Wun Yuk Tsan, Luo Tze Chao, Pang Sai Meng
Primary Institution: Hac Sa Wan Health Centre, Health Bureau, Macau Special Administrative Region, China
Hypothesis
Why do men not consult for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a free healthcare system?
Conclusion
Many men with LUTS do not seek medical advice because they consider their symptoms normal.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 11.7% of men consulted doctors for LUTS.
- Regarding symptoms as normal was the main reason for not consulting.
- Age and duration of symptoms were significant factors for consulting.
Takeaway
This study found that most men with urinary problems don't go to the doctor because they think it's normal, even though they can get help for free.
Methodology
A convenience sample of 549 male patients aged 40-85 years completed the IPSS questionnaire and were asked about consulting doctors for LUTS.
Potential Biases
The sampling method was convenience-based rather than randomized, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a health centre rather than a general population, and most recruits had mild to moderate LUTS severity.
Participant Demographics
Male patients aged 40-85 years from a government health centre in Macau.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
1.024, 1.062
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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