The potential role of a self-management intervention for benign prostate hyperplasia

To tentatively evaluate the usefulness of self-management interventions in improving the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Two-hundred twent-two men were recruited from a teaching hospital at Peking University from March 2008 to September 2009. They were referred by general practitioners to urologic outpatient departments because of BPH after 3-month administration of α-blockers. Participants were randomized to attend either a self-management program or undergo standard care. Difference of scores of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and BPH-specific QoL scale between 2 groups was analyzed at the enrollment period, and at the first week, third month, and sixth month.

All participants had been followed for 6 months. There was no significant difference in IPSS score and QoL score between the 2 groups at the enrollment period and first week, whereas at the third month and sixth month, the IPSS scores and QoL self-management interventional group scores were statistically significant lower than those of the standard care group.

Self-management intervention may be associated with decreased LUTS symptoms and may improve QoL in BPH patients with α-blocker administration.