Changes in prevalence of urinary symptoms in Finnish men--a population-based 5-year follow-up study

To describe changes in the prevalence and severity of urinary symptoms and the degree of interference they cause in the daily life of the Finnish male population by means of a 5-year follow-up study.

A postal survey of a stratified random population sample of elderly men in Pirkanmaa County was carried out in 1994 and 1999. A total of 3143 men in 1994 and 2837 in 1999 received the questionnaire; 2198 (70%) and 2133 (75%) responded, respectively. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic status, overall health and diseases, urinary symptoms (Danish Prostatic Symptom Score), sexual function and bothersomeness of symptoms. Data from those individuals who responded adequately to both inquiries were analysed.

The most prevalent urinary symptoms were post-micturition dribble (64%), nocturia (62%), hesitancy (50%) and incomplete emptying (46%). At the 5-year follow-up, the prevalences of hesitancy, incomplete emptying, nocturia, urge incontinence and stress incontinence had increased statistically significantly. Subjects who had been symptomatic at baseline reported no change in 46-77% of cases, deterioration in 2-19% and improvement in 16-52%. The degree of interference in daily activities due to urinary symptoms increased significantly during follow-up. The mean interference index increased from 2.3 to 4.4.

Although urinary symptoms in elderly males are particularly common and their prevalence increases with age, they are mostly mild and also have a marked tendency to improve with time. The total burden of urinary symptoms nonetheless increases with age in the elderly male population.