Lower urinary tract symptoms in older adults as a manifestation of underlying geriatric conditions: results of a national population-based study PolSenior2

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common problem among older patients in primary and general care.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of LUTS and their associates related to health, other geriatric problems, lifestyle, and social conditions in the Polish population of citizens aged over 60 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The analysis was part of a national cross-sectional study, PolSenior2, conducted in 2018-2019 on a cohort of 5698 community-dwelling older adults. Data on LUTS  health status and socioeconomic situation were obtained based on a detailed questionnaire, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, and laboratory analyses.

RESULTS: The prevalence of LUTS in the Polish population aged over 60 years was estimated at 60.5%, significantly higher in women (67.8%; 95% CI, 64.3-71.2) compared to men (50.3%; 95% CI, 47.2-53.5). The most frequent symptom was nocturia (46.7%), followed by stress urinary incontinence (28.7%) and urgency (21.5%). Univariable analysis showed relationships between LUTS and age, obesity, reduced functional capacity, mobility problems, history of falls, depressive symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, multimorbidity, heart failure, diuretic use and polypharmacy. In a multivariable regression model, age ≥75 years, obesity, functional disability, depression, cognitive impairment, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy were independently associated with the occurrence of LUTS.

CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract symptoms affect the majority of older adults. They are associated with numerous sociodemographic and health-related factors, including typical geriatric problems. Therefore, it is recommended that elderly patients who present with LUTS be investigated for other common age-related conditions and referred to a geriatrician.

Kujawska-Danecka, H., Mossakowska, M., Chudek, J., Hajduk, A., Wieczorowska-Tobis, K., Chmielewski, M., & Gryglewska, B. (2025, October 28). Lower urinary tract symptoms in older adults as a manifestation of underlying geriatric conditions: Results of a national population-based study PolSenior2. Polish Archives of Internal Medicine. Advance online publication.