Epidemiology of prostatic disorders in the city of Barcelona

• Published in: International journal of epidemiology Vol. 21; no. 5; p. 959
• Main Authors: Fernandez, E, Porta, M, Alonso, J, Antó, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.1992
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Prostatic Diseases - epidemiology; Socioeconomic Factors; Spain - epidemiology; Urban Population; Spain
• ISSN: 0300-5771
• DOI: 10.1093/ije/21.5.959

Although disorders of the prostate are among the most prevalent problems in elderly males, little is known about their epidemiological characteristics. The 1986 Barcelona Health Interview Survey (BHIS), a cross-sectional study of a random sample of the noninstitutionalized population of the city, was used to estimate the prevalence of prostatic disorders (PD) and to analyse sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, and use of health services among males reporting PD. Ninety-eight out of 1218 males over 45 years old (8%) reported having PD, the prevalence increasing substantially with age. A pattern of increasing prevalence with decreasing occupational class was found. As compared to subjects not reporting PD, individuals reporting PD reported slightly more restricted activity days (prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-2.80), more chronic disorders (POR = 4.75; 95% CI: 2.04-13.53), and worse self-perceived health (POR = 1.55; 95% CI: 0.92-2.58). Medical visits and hospitalizations were also higher in the prostatic group (P < 0.05). Men reporting PD appear to constitute a subgroup with increased morbidity and health services use.