Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to investigate the effects of lower urinary tract symptoms on depression and quality of life among women in urban areas.
METHODS
The participants in this study were 306 women in P city. Data were collected using a questionnaire from May 1 to June 6, 2008. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were measured with BFLUTS-SF and categorized into voiding, filling and incontinence. The data were analyzed through t-test, one-way ANOVA, Fisher exact test, and multiple regression.
RESULTS
Age, filling and incontinence, and all of the subcategories of LUTS explained 16% of variance in depression. Older women, LUTS with incontinence, filling and incontinence, and all the problems including filling, voiding and incontinence lowered the quality of life.
CONCLUSION
In order to develop nursing interventions for women with urinary tract symptoms, comprehensive understanding of LUTS is needed.

• Keywords: LUTS;Depression;Quality of life;