Lower urinary tract symptoms in older adults as a manifestation of underlying geriatric conditions: results of a national population-based study PolSenior2.

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common problem among older patients in primary and general care.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of LUTS and their association with issues related to health status, other geriatric problems, lifestyle factors, and social conditions in a population of Polish citizens aged over 60 years..

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The analysis was part of a national cross‑sectional study PolSenior2, conducted in the years 2018 and 2019 in a cohort of 5698 community‑dwelling older adults. Data on LUTS, health status, and socioeconomic situation were obtained based on a detailed questionnaire, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, and laboratory analyses.

RESULTS

The prevalence of LUTS in the Polish population aged over 60 years was estimated at 60.5%; it was significantly higher in women (67.8%; 95% CI, 64.3-71.2) than men (50.3%; 95% CI, 47.2-53.5). The most frequent symptom was nocturia (46.7%), followed by stress urinary incontinence (28.7%) and urgency (21.5%). Univariable analysis showed associations between LUTS and age, obesity, reduced functional capacity, mobility problems, a history of falls, depressive symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, multimorbidity, heart failure, diuretic use, and polypharmacy. In a multivariable regression model, age of 75 years or above, obesity, functional disability, falls, depression, cognitive impairment, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy were independently associated with the occurrence of LUTS.

CONCLUSIONS

LUTS affect the majority of older adults. They are associated with numerous sociodemographic and health‑related factors, including typical geriatric problems. Therefore, it is recommended that elderly patients who present with LUTS be investigated for other common age‑related conditions and referred to a geriatrician.