The correlation between symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and the quality of life: A field study

Abstract

Is there any correlation between symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and quality of life in men aged 40 years and over? This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the BPH symptoms and the quality of life and to determine the views and attitudes about this disease. BPH is one of the most common health problems in men and adversely affects the quality of life. The study was conducted in 2016 by using quantitative and qualitative research methods. The data were collected using the Information Form, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Quality of Life Scale (BPH‐QLS) and the Semi‐structured Interview Form. While quantitative data were assessed by numbers, percentages, chi‐square test, Kruskal‐Wallis test, Mann‐Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient, qualitative data were assessed using content analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between BPH‐QLS score and age, educational level, presence of micturition problem and the state of applying to health institution (P < 0.005). A positive correlation was found between IPSS and BPH‐QLS (Spearman's r = 0.695, P = 0.000). When qualitative data were evaluated, views such as “identification of the disease as virility or sexual inability,” “feeling of embarrassment about the disease,” “being hesitant to be examined” and “seeming unnecessary to pay a fee to be examined” were determined. In this context, it is recommended for public health nurses to conduct population‐based studies on BPH.

Factors associated with quality of life in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 2009–2016

“…This leads to an improvement in the treatment results and, simultaneously, an improvement in the quality of life. [ 23 , 24 ] The results of precedent studies seem to be in line with the findings of this study: the higher the educational attainment of patients, the higher their quality of life. Meanwhile, participation in intense physical activities negatively affected the quality of life of the younger adult patients with BPH, which was different from the existing study that showed that as the frequency, intensity, or amount of physical activity increased, the quality of life also increased.…”

Difficulties experienced by patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia regarding their physical symptoms

“…28,31,32 The symptoms associated with BPH can disrupt patients' sexual, psychological, and social well-being, ultimately leading to negative consequences for the patients. 20 In this study conducted, patients reported experiencing problems in their sexual lives and a decrease in their self-confidence due to BPH symptoms, which is consistent with the literature. 33,34 According to the study findings, maintaining erectile and ejaculation function is a major concern for BPH patients.…”

“…The data of this study were collected using a "Personal Information Form" created by the researchers between May 2022 and January 2023 and a "Semi-Structured Interview Form" prepared in line with the aim and scope of the research according to the literature. [20][21][22] The Personal Information Form includes questions about individuals' age, marital status, education level, employment status, BPH-related symptoms, and the onset of these symptoms. In the Interview Form, 5 open-ended questions were included on predetermined topics to facilitate a deeper interpretation of the interview.…”

Awareness and prevalence of self-reported benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

“…In 2019, there were 11.26 million new cases of BPH, resulting in 1.86 million years lived with a disability ( 2 ). Studies have shown that BPH can profoundly impact quality of life by causing major limitations to daily activities, such as impaired virility and sexual disability ( 2 , 3 ).…”