Epidemiology of prostatic disorders in the city of Barcelona

Although disorders of the prostate are among the most prevalent problems in elderly males, little is known about their epidemiological characteristics. The 1986 Barcelona Health Interview Survey (BHIS), a cross-sectional study of a random sample of the noninstitutionalized population of the city, was used to estimate the prevalence of prostatic disorders (PD) and to analyse sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, and use of health services among males reporting PD. Ninety-eight out of 1218 males over 45 years old (8%) reported having PD, the prevalence increasing substantially with age. A pattern of increasing prevalence with decreasing occupational class was found. As compared to subjects not reporting PD, individuals reporting PD reported slightly more restricted activity days (prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-2.80), more chronic disorders (POR = 4.75; 95% CI: 2.04-13.53), and worse self-perceived health (POR = 1.55; 95% CI: 0.92-2.58). Medical visits and hospitalizations were also higher in the prostatic group (P < 0.05). Men reporting PD appear to constitute a subgroup with increased morbidity and health services use.