Voiding time as a predictor for urinary tract function and health status

In this study, we investigated self-measured voiding time in the Japanese population.

A survey questionnaire was used to determine self-measured voiding time in Japanese participants aged ≥20 years. In addition to demographic data such as age and sex, relevant medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal impairment and other disorders, were also recorded. Voiding time was measured whenever the participant had the urge to void.

In total, 2493 healthy individuals (1347 men, mean ± SD, age 60.50 ± 12.16 years, and 1146 women, 51.16 ± 12.97 years) participated in the survey. Self-measured voiding time was 27.71 ± 20.25 s for men, and 17.49 ± 11.87 s for women. Additionally, 1227 participants with certain diseases were included (1026 men, aged 67.12 ± 9.93 years, and 201 women, 60.26 ± 11.02 years). In this group, self-measured voiding time was significantly longer at P < 0.01 (30.71 ± 20.98 s in men, 21.28 ± 15.56 s in women). In men whose international prostate symptom score (IPSS) was >7, voiding time was significantly longer (healthy men: IPSS ≤7 n = 868, 23.9 ± 14.88 s, IPSS ≥8 n = 479, 34.6 ± 26.05 s, P < 0.05, men with comorbidities: IPSS ≤7: n = 504, 25.64 ± 15.63 s, IPSS ≥8: n = 522, 35.6 ± 24.11 s, P < 0.05).

This self-reported internet survey revealed that self-measured voiding time was longer in men than women regardless of age, and was significantly prolonged with age regardless of sex. Furthermore, self-measured voiding time could be a good screening tool to predict urinary function and health status. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••-•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.