Objectives: A large-scale nationwide epidemiologic survey was performed to determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Japan.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 10,096 randomly selected Japanese men and women aged 40 years or older. The survey questions, developed by the Japan Neurogenic Bladder Society, encompassed four areas: demographic characteristics, LUTS, HRQOL, and treatment seeking. A modified King's Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQOL. Correlations among the response scores were analyzed by Spearman's rank test.
Results: The responses from 4570 subjects (mean age 61 years) were analyzed. The prevalence rate for daytime urinary frequency of 8 and 11 times or more daily was 50% and 11%, respectively. The prevalence of nocturia occurring 1 and 3 or more times/night was 69% and 14%, respectively. For other symptom frequency (ie, weak urine flow, sensation of residual urine, bladder pain, urinary urgency, urgency incontinence, stress incontinence, and incontinence pad use), the prevalence rates ranged from 2% to 27% for 1 or more times/wk and 1% to 20% for 1 or more times/day. Emotions and sleep/energy were most affected by LUTS (10% each), followed by physical limitations (7%), role limitations (6%), social limitations (4%), and personal relationships (3%). Nocturia was most frequently (38%) reported to have the greatest impact on HRQOL. Of those who considered their daily life to be affected by LUTS, only 18% sought medical care.
Conclusions: Although LUTS are highly prevalent in Japan, few subjects seek treatment. Greater awareness and understanding of LUTS is needed to manage symptoms and their consequences appropriately.