Frequency, Associated Factors, and Quality of Life in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Lower urinary system symptoms (LUTS) are a group of clinical complaints characterized by irregular urinary patterns. LUTS tremendously affect patient functioning and quality of life (QOL). Despite its impact, many men do not seek medical attention, which can be attributed to the low level of awareness and costs associated with healthcare resources and the stigmatization of urinary symptoms. Objective: To assess the frequency of LUTS, its associated factors, and QOL among men at a urology clinic in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional clinic-based study was conducted from May 2025 to July 2025 at the Urology Outpatient Department of Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Teaching and Research Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, on 165 male participants. To evaluate LUTS and QOL, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was used. The QOL item is scored from 0 (“delighted”) to 6 (“terrible”), with scores of 0-2 representing good QOL and 3-6 indicating poor QOL. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Mean age was 52.1 ± 14.7 years. Mean IPSS score was 13.6 ± 12.1, with 73.9% of participants reporting LUTS. In univariate analysis, LUTS were associated with age, lower education, lower income, diabetes, and hypertension; however, none of these remained significant in multivariable logistic regression. The mean QOL score was 3.1 ± 1.8, and 2/3 (66.7%) reported poor QOL. In univariate analysis, poor QOL was associated with age, diabetes mellitus, absence of alcohol use, tea intake, and LUTS; however, in multivariable logistic regression, poor QOL was associated with LUTS severity, while alcohol use was inversely associated with poor QOL. Conclusion: LUTS were highly prevalent among adult males presenting to the urology clinic, significantly affecting QOL. Routine screening and early management are essential to reduce symptom burden and improve QOL.