Effect of self-management on lower urinary tract symptoms and life quality of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of self-management to improve the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and life quality in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Methods Two hundred and twenty-two men were recruited to take αblockers for at least 3 months from March 2008 to September 2009. Participants were randomized to either attend a self-management program in addition to standard care or to standard care alone. Difference of scores of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and BPH-specific quality of life scale between the two groups was analyzed during enrollment period, the 1st week, the 3rd month and 6th month of therapy.Results All participants were followed up for 6 months.The IPSS scores of the SMI group were 20.5 and 20.5 and the QOL were 50.9 and 50.8 at the 1st week.While the numbers were 19.6 and 19.3 for IPSS and 51.1 and 51.1 for QOL in the control group. There was no statistic difference in the control group. Whereas during the 3rd and 6th month assessment, the scores of IPSS and quality of life of self-management interventional group were statistically significantly lower than those of the control group.Conclusions Self-management intervention could reduce the LUTS symptoms and improve quality of life in BPH patients who were taking medicines. Key words: Self-management intervention; Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Low urinary tract symptoms