Prevalence of clinical symptoms and their effect on quality of life among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia at a tertiary health facility in Minna, North central Nigeria

Background: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is increasingly common among older adult males and its treatment has highly variable effect on patient's quality of life. The persistence of clinical symptoms varies widely and also frequently changes in the course of therapy. The severity of symptoms, side effect(s) of drugs, emotional distress and demographic factors have unpredictable impact on patient's quality of life. Furthermore, the persistence of residual clinical symptoms and abnormally high PSA levels remain an ongoing clinical challenge in the management of the disease. This study therefore aims to assess prevalence and severity of symptoms and quality of life of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. Methods: The study was carried out at Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida specialized hospital Minna, Niger State. The hospital's electronic patient's records were used to identify prospective respondents. The medical information of 443 eligible patients were extracted for analysis. The selected patients were followed up during physician appointments and then administered the EPIC-CP and SF-12questionnaires to determine prevalence and severity of symptoms as well as quality of life respectively. Data was entered into Microsoft excel and scores calculated according to standard procedures. Asubscale score of ≤4 implied absence or mild symptoms, 5 – 8 (moderate symptom) and 9 – 12 severe symptoms (EPIC-CP), while physical and mental components of quality of life score higher than 50 was satisfactory (SF-12). Results: The mean age of respondents was 65 years and they had been on therapy for 4.9 years. Majority of patients were on Tamulosin monotherapy (63.1%) and Tamulosin / Dutasteride combination therapy (36.9%). The most reported symptoms included sexual dysfunction (96.1%), urinary incontinence (37.6%), urinary obstruction (34.5%) and hormonal symptoms (36%).The quality of life was generally poor and significantly associated with age (p=0.042) and PSA level (p<0.001).There was significant difference in quality of life based on demographic variables (p<0.001). Conclusion: The persistence of high level of sexual dysfunction and urinary symptoms among patients remains a major medical challenge. Quality of life was generally poor and affected by residual symptoms and side effect of drugs.