Depressive Symptom Severity Is Associated With IPSS and ICIQ ‐ SF Scores but Not Overactive Bladder in Japanese Male Never‐Smokers

OBJECTIVES: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in men and have been linked to mental health, but their relationship with depressive symptoms across the adult age range, including young men, remains unclear. We examined the association between LUTS and depressive symptoms in Japanese men. METHODS: Using an internet research panel, 4000 never-smoking Japanese men were surveyed. LUTS were assessed with the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Quality of Life (QOL) index, and depressive symptoms with the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Japanese version (QIDS-J). Scores were compared across QIDS-J severity groups, and multivariable regression was used to adjust for age and household income. RESULTS: Of 2568 respondents (mean age 46.6 years), more severe depressive symptoms were associated with younger age (p < 0.001). ICIQ-SF and IPSS increased with QIDS-J severity (both p < 0.001) and remained independently associated after adjustment for age and income (IPSS adjusted β 0.32; ICIQ-SF 0.13; both p < 0.001), whereas OABSS was not associated (p = 0.193). The same pattern was observed in men aged 20-40 years. CONCLUSIONS: Greater depressive symptom severity was independently associated with higher IPSS and ICIQ-SF scores, but not with OABSS, OAB, or UUI among Japanese male never-smokers.