1Kamran Ali, 2Abdul Razzaq Nasir, 3Maryam Naz, 4Mobeen Ali, 5Umar khan,
1PIMS
2Consultant Urologist, Associate Professor, Bolan Medical College Hospital
3PIMS
4PIMS
5PIMS
Correspondence: Kamran Ali, PIMS
Abstract
Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is very rife in most men as they age, causing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) including frequency, urge and nocturia. These symptoms can positively affect the quality of life, and it has been established that they increase the likelihood of depression. This conceptual link between LUTS and depression has been hinted at in previous research but the strength and direction of this association in BPH patients’ needs to be elucidated.
Aim: The purpose of this work was to assess the relationship between LUTS symptoms and the occurrence of depressive disorders in patients with BPH. It is also aimed at understanding the effect of BPH-induced LUTS on such patients’ mental health.
Method: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was carried out on 180 male patients from the age of 50 years and above who had been diagnosed with BPH. The degree of LUTS was evaluated according to the IPSS scale, whereas the level of depression was tested with the help of the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficients test were conducted to compare the relationship between the severity of LUTS and depression Furthermore, the demographic data were included in the analysis to consider the effects of potential confounding factors on above relationship as well.
Results: The severity of LUTS was found to be positive and significantly associated with depression with Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0. 12 ( p < 0. 001) of patients from this group completing the survey, The demographics of the responders were similar to the demographic of the total population. Those with severe LUTS (IPSS score ≥ 20) were dominated by high depression scores, of which 27% of participants had moderate to severe PHQ-9 results. Also, quality of life was poorer, and treatment compliance was worse in patients with both high IPSS and PHQ-9 scores. These data raise awareness of the considerable psychological toll of LUTS on BPH patients.
Conclusion: The present analysis emphasizes the importance of mental health screen in caring BPH patients especially those with serious LUTS. Thus, given the significant correlation between LUTS severity and depression it becomes possible to conclude that an integrated management is more effective for the patients’ condition. Further study should be done in a longitudinal manner in order to determine which of the two components exerts a causal influence on the other and strategies that can effectively deal with the LUTS and depression burden that BPH patients go through.
Keywords: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), Depression, Quality of Life, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Cross-Sectional Study, Holistic Care, Urological Treatment.