Prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms and associated risk factors in kidney transplant recipients

Prostatitis-like symptoms (PLS) significantly affect quality of life in males. While numerous studies have explored the prevalence of PLS in the general population, research on kidney transplantation (KT) recipients remains relatively scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of PLS among KT recipients and explore its potential risk factors. Male KT recipients were consecutively recruited from our outpatient clinic from February 15, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Demographic data, lifestyle data, dietary habits, and data from the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) were collected through an optimized questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify potential risk factors associated with PLS in KT recipients. A total of 503 KT recipients were collected, 283 eligible recipients were enrolled, and 37 (7.3%) reported PLS (NIH-CPSI pain score ≥ 4). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.31, P = 0.005), higher postoperative stable creatinine level (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05, P = 0.041), a sedentary lifestyle (OR: 31.97, 95% CI: 3.88–263.61, P = 0.001), the habit of urination after ejaculation (OR: 5.39, 95% CI: 1.18–24.67, P = 0.030), and the presence of severe negative emotions (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.65–3.72, P < 0.001) may be risk factors for PLS. In contrast, a higher education level (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26–0.69, P < 0.001) and high daily water intake (≥ 2000 mL; OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.57, P = 0.012) may be protective factors. This study represents the first evaluation of PLS prevalence in the KT population and has identified several potential risk factors for PLS in this group. These findings provide potential targets for clinicians in the prevention and treatment of PLS following KT.