43 MODIFIABLE LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS AND INCIDENCE OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS AND URINE LEAKAGE IN A POPULATION-BASED STUDY OF MEN AND WOMEN

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is a recognized need for non-invasive, modifiable lifestyle options for the prevention and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We conducted preliminary analyses to investigate the roles of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption in the development of overall LUTS, weekly urinary incontinence (UI) and nocturia among men and women. METHODS: Prospective cohort analyses of 4,145 men and women (aged 30–79 y at baseline in 2002–2005) with longitudinal data in the Boston Area Community Health survey, a population-based random sample survey. Moderate-to-severe LUTS were defined by American Urological Symptom Index scores. Participants who were symptom-free at baseline were included in analysis of incidence of symptoms reported at follow-up approximately 5 years later (2006– 2010). Logistic regression models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index. Analyses were first conducted stratified by gender and subsequently combining men and women where results were similar. RESULTS: Men and women who were more physically active at baseline were 50–80% less likely to develop LUTS (see table). The association among women was strong both for overall LUTS and UI, whereas among men, the association was strongest for nocturia, although apparent across all outcomes. Men and women who were current smokers at baseline were more likely to develop LUTS or nocturia. Although few men and women changed their smoking status over time, results indicate that men who started to smoke between baseline and follow-up were twice as likely to develop LUTS, similar to the magnitude of the association among men or women who remained current smokers. The association between alcohol consumption and incident LUTS differed by gender (P-interaction 0.001) and was inconsistent across LUTS subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable behaviors of low physical activity, smoking, and alcohol intake were significant predictors of the development of LUTS among men and women who had no or few urologic symptoms at baseline. Future studies should examine interventions of physical activity and smoking cessation for their effects on the treatment of LUTS. Source of Funding: This work was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (grants R21DK081844 and DK56842). The content of this work is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases or the National Institutes of Health.