DETERMINANTS OF TREATMENT-SEEKING BEHAVIOR FOR URINARY SYMPTOMS IN OLDER MEN

Objective To determine the factors associated with seeking treatment for urinary symptoms among older men in a European population. Subjects and methods A community survey involving a representative nationwide sample of 2011 French men aged between 50 and 80 years was performed and information collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results Visiting a doctor for urinary symptoms was associated with the perceived bothersomeness of urinary symptoms, in addition to and independently of the level of symptom severity, It was also associated with higher socio-economic class, Many partners of men with urinary symptoms were unaware of their condition. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of including the perception of bother associated with urinary symptoms in addition to urinary severity and provides information useful for inclusion in education programmes on urinary symptoms.