Epidemiology of Prostatic Disorders in the City of Barcelona

Fernandez E (Departament d'Epidemiologia i Salut Pública, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Maritim 25–29, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain), Porta M, Alonso J and Antó J M. Epidemiology of prostatic disorders in the city of Barcelona. International Journal of Epidemiology 1992; 21:959–965 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.