Association Between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Falls in Adults Males: Based on the Korean Community Health Survey

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and falls considering places where falls can occur in adult males. We analyzed 101 862 males in the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey. LUTSs were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score system. The rate of total and indoor falls significantly increased with the LUTS severity, respectively. After adjusting for age and other confounding variables, the odds ratios (ORs) for total falls were significantly high for the mild (OR = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.54-1.71), moderate (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 2.16-2.56), and severe groups (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = 2.49-3.22), relative to the normal group. Indoor fall experience was the same for the mild (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.36-1.79), moderate (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.97-2.85), and severe groups (OR = 3.77, 95% CI = 3.00-4.72). Nocturia, hesitancy, and urgency were significantly associated with indoor falls. The association between falls and the degree of LUTS was observed in both the young and the elderly. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the effects of treatment of LUTS on the risk of falls and the effectiveness of the fall prevention program.