Abstract
BackgroundLower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) comprise a highly prevalent chronic condition among the aging male population. Existing literature on the experiences of men with LUTS is scarce given that only a few studies explored medical care-seeking behaviors and coping strategies. The current understanding of the experiences of elderly males with LUTS is considerably limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the experiences of living with moderate-to-severe LUTS among community-dwelling Chinese ageing males and their coping strategies to facilitate the management of LUTS by healthcare providers.Methods and findingsA qualitative exploratory design using thematic analysis was used. Semi-structured interviews with 24 Chinese ageing males with moderate-to-severe LUTS were conducted. According to the participants, LUTS adversely affect the physical aspects of their daily lives. Most of them were unwilling to seek social support and were even embarrassed to share this topic with their peers. A range of psychological responses could be observed from the participants that range from regarding the condition as a natural life course to loss of one’s self-esteem. Most of the interviewees lacked knowledge and held misconceptions toward LUTS, which prevented them from pursuing medical advice. Most of the participants also sought alternative treatments and developed self-help methods to cope with their symptoms.ConclusionLUTS affects the physical and social aspects of sufferers. The findings of this qualitative study can raise awareness about the life experiences, perceptions, misconceptions, and help-seeking behaviors of Chinese elderly with LUTS. Proper health education and advice can be provided for this population.
Highlights
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) comprise a complex symptom cluster that encompasses storage, voiding and post-micturition symptoms [1]
Experiences living with lower urinary tract symptoms help-seeking behaviors of Chinese elderly with LUTS
LUTS prevalence increases with age regardless of gender, but severe LUTS is common among the male population [3]
Summary
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) comprise a complex symptom cluster that encompasses storage (e.g. nocturia), voiding (e.g. weak stream) and post-micturition (e.g. incomplete emptying) symptoms [1]. LUTS is a highly prevalent chronic condition that affects almost half of the world’s population [2]. LUTS prevalence increases with age regardless of gender, but severe LUTS is common among the male population [3]. This observation is true for the LUTS prevalence, which highlights ethnical differences [8]. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) comprise a highly prevalent chronic condition among the aging male population. Existing literature on the experiences of men with LUTS is scarce given that only a few studies explored medical care-seeking behaviors and coping strategies. The present study aimed to identify the experiences of living with moderate-to-severe LUTS among community-dwelling Chinese ageing males and their coping strategies to facilitate the management of LUTS by healthcare providers
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