Prevalence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Shanghai, China: A Community-based Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Shanghai, China, has not been updated in over 20 years. Here, we conducted a study in the community health system to get current BPH prevalence. Materials and Methods: All males older than 50 years old with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in five randomly selected communities in Shanghai were included in this study and were grouped according to their age. Group A was men with ages between 50 and 59, Group B 60-69, Group C 70-79, and Group D over 80. Results of international prostate symptom scores (IPSS), urinalysis, digital rectal examination, ultrasound scan, uroflowmetry, prostate specific antigen level, and any complications related to BPH were collected and analyzed. Results: The ages ranged from 50 to 92 (68.7 ± 9.6, mean ± standard deviation). The average IPSS in each group increased with aging, from 15.13 ± 2.87 in Group A to 19.95 ± 7.43 in Group D. However the quality of life scores (QoL) did not correlate with IPSS in Group A (r = 0.263, P < 0.001). The prevalence rate of BPH increased with aging. The growth rate of the prostate slowed from 27.86% to 8.84% from Group A to Group D. Conclusions: The overall prevalence rate of BPH in our study is 11.99%, LUTS symptoms develop with aging, and the result of the single-question QoL questionnaire should be carefully considered while dealing with patients in Shanghai older than 60.