Patients’ Concerns regarding Symptoms Severity and Treatment of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH)

Benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) has an impact on quality of life and symptoms are
crucial in causing bother. Therefore a patient’s concerns of the disease, and his subjective
ranking of therapeutic priorities should be elicited, and the patient’s expectancies should be
considered. Objective: to describe patients’ concerns regarding symptoms severity and
treatment of BPH. Setting: The study was carried out at the Urologic Outpatient Department
of the Health Insurance Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of
100 adult male patients diagnosed with benign prostate hypertrophy were recruited to
participate in the study. Tools: a structured interview schedule was used in this study
including bio-sociodemographic data, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS);
additional questions relating to patients’ concerns about symptoms severity and treatment of
enlarged prostate. Results: The findings indicated that more than half of the patients (52%)
had moderate lower urinary tract symptom severity (LUTS). The main concerns first
experienced by patients seeking medical advice for symptoms of BPH were the impact of
symptoms on social and professional life, fear of cancer, frustration and embarrassment
caused by symptoms. The main concerns of a large number of patients when taking
medication were the ability of medication to reduce the risk of surgery and relieve symptoms
within few weeks or months. Conclusion: This study provides a valuable insight into the
concerns of patients regarding BPH and its management. Moreover, it emphasizes the need
for consideration of patient preferences during clinical decision-making. Recommendations:
The study recommended that it is vital that health teams assess and fully understand their
patients’ satisfaction with BPH treatment, their preferred treatment options and expectations