Prevalence and impact of lower urinary tract symptoms: Results of the epic survey in Egypt

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including overactive bladder (OAB), and urinary incontinence (UI), in Egypt and the impact on patients’ quality of life. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional survey (EPIC) was conducted with a random sample of adults aged ≥18 years. Prevalence estimates were based on 2002 International Continence Society definitions. Results: A total of 3600 adult men and women participated in the survey; 86% of them experienced ≥1 LUTS: storage symptoms were more frequently reported (75%) than voiding (52%) or postmicturition (42%) symptoms. The most prevalent storage symptom was nocturia (defined as ≥1 time per night) in 70% of the population. UI was reported by 21% (mixed UI [MUI]: 9%; stress UI [SUI]: 4%; urgency UI [UUI]: 5%; other UI: 3%), and 30% met criteria for OAB. Despite the high prevalence of LUTS, few individuals with UUI, MUI, SUI, or OAB took prescription medicine (12%) or consulted a healthcare professional about their symptoms (23%). Conclusion: High prevalence rates of LUTS and OAB were found in adult men and women in Egypt, although low healthcare utilization and low prescription medication use for symptoms were observed.