Objective: To describe the prevalence of and risk factors for prostatitis-like symptoms and its relation to erectile dysfunction (ED) among southern Chinese male population.
Methods: Data were collected from 2,790 men attending the Fangchenggang Area Male Healthy and Examination Survey from September 2009 to December 2009. The prostatitis-like symptoms were assessed by the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and ED was assessed using the 5-item international index of erectile function. Lifestyle and demographic characteristics were obtained through a questionnaire.
Results: Prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms was 12.4% among 2,790 Chinese men aged 20-84 years. Smokers ≥20 cigarettes/day (age-adjusted OR =1.29; 95% CI, 1.00-1.66; P=0.04), physical inactivity (age-adjusted OR =1.31; 95% CI, 1.03-1.66; P=0.02), was a significant risk factor for prostatitis-like symptoms. Alcohol consumption (daily drinking) may also was a risk factor for prostatitis-like symptoms, although the differences were not statistically significant (age-adjusted OR =1.36; 95% CI, 0.96-1.92; P=0.07). Those who undergone diabetes may also be a risk factor for prostatitis-like symptoms (age-adjusted OR =1.37; 95% CI, 0.85-2.21; P=0.19). In addition, men with ED were more likely to have had prostatitis-like symptoms (age-adjusted OR =1.86; 95% CI, 0.47-2.36; P<0.0001), and the ORs increased with increasing severe of ED status (mild ED, mild to moderate ED, moderate to severe ED were 1.57, 2.62, 3.24 respectively. Test for trend, P=0.0001).
Conclusions: Prostatitis-like symptoms is prevalent in Southern China affects men of all ages. Smoking, drinking, lack of physical activity and elevated plasma glucose level were associated with an increased risk of prostatitis-like symptoms. In addition, we confirm the magnitude of ED associated with prostatitis-like symptoms.
