Prevalence and associated factors for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults in the PERSIAN Guilan cohort study (PGCS)

Abstract

Although hematuria is not life-threatening, some could be the result of a more severe condition. Our objectives are to report on the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH) in the prospective epidemiological research studies of the Iranian adults (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (PGCS) population. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2014 to 2017 and consisted of 10,520 individuals aged 35–70. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire during a face-to-face interview. The urine analyses (UA) were done up to 2 h after sample collection. Based on a urine microscopy evaluation, AMH is defined as 3 or more red blood cells per high power field (HPF). Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore factors associated with AMH. The prevalence of AMH in this study was 34.1% and was more prevalent in participants of older ages and female gender as well as those with low educational level, underweight-body mass index (BMI), high physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and kidney stone disease. On the other hand, obesity, opium, and diabetes decreased the likelihood of AMH. The results of the present study shed light on the prevalence and risk factors of AMH and suggested that a significant portion of the study population is affected by AMH. Considering the lack of consensus on a definite clinical guideline for AMH in our country, the results of the present study could be used to design a unit algorithm for screening and therapy of AMH.