Alcohol, tobacco. Occupation and the risk of Benigh prostatic hyperplasia

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is a hyperplastic process of the fibromuscular stromal and glandular epithelial elements of the periurethral prostate. Aging and the presence of the male hormones are the two established risk factors for the development of BPH. It is thought there could be roles for other factors. Aim: To evaluate the role of alcohol, tobacco, and occupation in BPH. Method: Using an interpreter-administered questionnaire we obtained history of occupation, tobacco and alcohol use from male volunteers in a community-based study, in Port Harcourt. We determined prostate volume with the formular -length x weight x height x 0.52 cm using Mindray DP2200 3.5 MHz curvilinear USS probe and classified prostate as normal, mildly, moderately and severely enlarged. Digital rectal examination(DRE), serum PSA (Acubind Elisa kit, Monobind INC, USA) and histopathology were used to rule out prostate cancer. Units of alcohol consumed was determined from the formular Percentage x Volume divided by 1000, quantity of tobacco used was expressed in Pack-year, and occupation was classified based on associated physical activity. Linear regression statistics with Odds Ratio was used to determine the strength of association of these risk factors and BPH. Result: Individuals whose occupation involved low physical activity had higher percentage of moderately or severely enlarge prostate, alcohol had negligible negative association, smoking had no association with BPH Conclusion: Smoking had no association with prostate enlargement, moderate alcohol consumption appeared protective against prostate enlargement and participants whose occupation involved above average physical exertion had smaller prostates.