The Effects of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms on Depression and Quality of Life among Women in Urban Areas

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the effects of lower urinary tract symptoms on depression and quality of life among women in urban areas. METHODS: The participants in this study were 306 women in P city. Data were collected using a questionnaire from May 1 to June 6, 2008. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were measured with BFLUTS-SF and categorized into voiding, filling and incontinence. The data were analyzed through t-test, one-way ANOVA, Fisher exact test, and multiple regression. RESULTS: Age, filling and incontinence, and all of the subcategories of LUTS explained 16% of variance in depression. Older women, LUTS with incontinence, filling and incontinence, and all the problems including filling, voiding and incontinence lowered the quality of life. CONCLUSION: In order to develop nursing interventions for women with urinary tract symptoms, comprehensive understanding of LUTS is needed.