Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
17. Aile Hekimliği Güz Okulu, İskele, Kıbrıs (Kktc), 20 - 24 Eylül 2023, ss.1
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the severity of
lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in male patients presenting to primary
healthcare facilities and to examine the relationship between patients' symptom
severity and their help-seeking behavior.
Materials and Methods: Male participants who presented to
the Family Health Center (FHC) were included in this cross-sectional analytical
study. Data were collected using questions related to sociodemographic
characteristics, medical history of the patients, the International Prostate
Symptom Score (IPSS) scale, and a questionnaire about patients'
healthcare-seeking behaviors.
Results: The mean age of the 351 participants was 63.9 ± 6.9
years. According to the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), it was
determined that 36.2% of the participants had mild symptoms, 42.7% had moderate
symptoms, and 21.1% had severe symptoms, with an average quality of life score
of 2.72±2.2. Regarding the participants' perception of LUTS, 67.5% believed
that LUTS were normal due to their age, 78.6% did not feel ashamed to discuss
LUTS with their family physicians, and 47% were afraid of LUTS being associated
with cancer. When evaluating the participants' attitudes and experiences
towards family physicians, 39.6% of the participants thought that family
physicians did not have sufficient experience with LUTS, and 84.3% expressed a
desire to receive information about LUTS from their family physicians. While
the majority (81.8%) reported that their family physicians did not inquire
about LUTS when they consulted them, 66.1% stated that they did not seek
medical attention for LUTS. Approximately half of the participants (58.8%)
mentioned that their family physicians referred them for LUTS. Comparative
analyses between age, body mass index, smoking status, diabetes,
hyperlipidemia, and IPSS severity were statistically significant (p<0.05).
There was a significant relationship between embarrassment, normalizing the
symptoms, cancer fear, future concerns, and IPSS severity (p<0.05). The
belief that the family physician lacks experience, expecting to be referred to
a higher level of care, and requesting information from the family physician
were also significantly associated with IPSS severity (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of moderate to severe LUTS was
high among the participants. As age increased, the severity of symptoms also
increased, and age-related diseases and lifestyle factors were found to play a
role in symptom severity. The majority of participants believed that family
physicians did not have sufficient experience in managing LUTS and did not
inquire about LUTS when consulted. The results of this study emphasize the
importance of family physicians understanding their patients' expectations,
enhancing communication, and making appropriate referrals when necessary.
Improving male healthcare and raising awareness among patients are crucial
aspects of primary healthcare services.