Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and social determinants in primary care users in Brazil

Although lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have considerable clinical relevance, few propose evaluating its association with social conditions. Our study aimed to evaluate LUTS prevalence in primary care and its association with the social determinants of health (SDH).

This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 322 females in the period of June to October 2016 that carried out consultations and screening to prevent gynecological cancer in a primary care unit.

The ages ranged from 18 to 85 years (M = 40.53). Storage symptoms had a higher overall prevalence (64.6%), highlighting nocturia (n = 186, 57.8%) and urinary incontinence (n = 120, 37.3%). Storage symptoms were associated with three layers of SDH. The voiding and postmicturition symptoms were only related to operative vaginal delivery.

The findings of this study suggest a relationship between SDH and LUTS. It is important to emphasize that the results not only imply a causal relationship, but also point to the social inequalities existing at a population level.