A Population-based Survey of the Prevalence, Potential Risk Factors, and Symptom-specific Bother of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Adult Chinese Women

Background: Epidemiological studies of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are few in China, and none has been conducted nationwide.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and potential risk factors of LUTS and the bother they impose on adult women in China.

Design, setting, and participants: This is the second analysis of a population-based cross-sectional survey on urinary incontinence conducted between February and July 2006 in six regions of China. Cluster samples were randomly selected for interviews.

Interventions: No intervention was implemented.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: A modified Chinese Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire was administered. The participants were asked about the presence of individual LUTS and rated their symptom bother. Descriptive statistics, χ(2) tests, receiver operating characteristic curves, and multivariate logistic regressions were used for data analysis.

Results and limitations: A total of 18 992 respondents (94.96%) were included. The prevalence of any LUTS, storage symptoms, or voiding symptoms was 55.5%, 53.9%, and 12.9%, respectively, and increased with age. Nocturia was the most common symptom (23.4%), followed by urgency (23.3%) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI; 18.9%). Nocturia was most frequently rated as bothersome (93.0%) but was generally minor (80.5%). Urgency and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) were most frequently reported as severe (11.5% and 10.8%) or moderate (18.5% and 16.8%) bothers. Any LUTS were more prevalent in urban women (57.1% vs 53.9%). Multiple factors increased the odds of bother and individual LUTS, and older age and coexisting pelvic organ prolapse were strong predictors (p<0.05). This survey was conducted 8 yr ago and did not assess all LUTS.

Conclusions: Half of adult women suffered with LUTS; nocturia, urgency, and SUI were more prevalent. Urgency and UUI were most frequently reported as severe or moderate bothers. Multiple factors influenced bother and individual LUTS.

Patient summary: The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms is high and increases with age in adult women in China. Urgency and urgency urinary incontinence were most frequently regarded as severe or moderate bothers and should be targeted for medical intervention.