Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Association between the Prostate Volume and Anthropometric Measurements in a Subset of Adult Nigerian Men with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a major cause of men`s morbidity, is positively related to obesity, which is assessed using anthropometric measurements. Despite the scarcity of local literature on this relationship, varying associations between prostate volume (PV), age, and anthropometric parameters have been reported. Objectives: To ascertain the average BPH volume, the predominant age at risk for BPH, and any correlations between PV and anthropometric measurements in our community. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted on 125 men aged 40–80years, with normal prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) levels, at the Radiology department, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, from May 2023 to May, 2024. PV was calculated by transabdominal ultrasonography. Anthropometric measurements were made using set procedures, from which the body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHTR) were computed. The data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel with P value < 0.05. Results: The mean age and PV of participants was 61.6±9.5years and 74.2±52.5ml, respectively with majority, 41 (32.8%) of men in their seventh decade of life. Age and PV did not statistically significantly correlate (P = 0.159); however, BMI, HC, WC and WHTR did (P = 0.000, 0.002, 0.006, and 0.014). Conclusion: The mean sonographic PV was 74.2±52.5ml, with men in their seventh decade being the most at risk for BPH. PV exhibited a statistically significant correlation with some anthropometric parameters but not with respondents' age. The equations and models generated from this study will benefit future research on prostatic growth and early detection of BPH.