Prevalence, Risk Factors and Bother Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms among Young Adults in Al- Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Author(s):

Ali Mahmoud Alzammam*, Rayan Abdullah Almurais, Rakan Mohammed Alahmad, Adi Sulaiman Aldhali, Abdulaziz Saleh Almatrudi and Abeer Abdullah Alaglan

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common condition among young adults; their quality of life is significantly affected and not all of them seek medical advice. Moreover, LUTS showed a significant relationship with depression and anxiety. Previously, LUTS was primarily identified among the elderly population, however, there has been an increase in its prevalence among young adults. Aim: To determine the prevalence of LUTS, to identify the potential risk factors associated with LUTS, and to establish which LUTS are the most bothersome in young adults. Material and Methods: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was done at Medical College in Al-Qassim. Healthy young adults aged 19-29 years were asked to fill in the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Female/Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. P values <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: LUTS was reported by 180 students 49.3% (46.4% men; 52.7% women). Urgency (27.8%) was the most common LUTS and bothersome in female while in male incomplete emptying (19.4%) was the most common LUTS and bothersome. A positive correlation was found between all symptoms and bother. A higher BMI and a higher consumption of spicy food were associated risk factors for LUTS in female while a high coffee consumption was a potential risk factor LUTS in male. Conclusions: LUTS is highly prevalent among young adults and most of these symptoms showed a strong positive correlation with bother. We identified some risk factors that increased the occurrence of LUTS. Also, all risk factors are avoidable and assessment of the bothersome symptoms before medical intervention in young adults will increase the quality of life of people with LUTS.