The Effective Way in Answering the IPSS: Patients Themselves or with the Physician?

Abstract

Objective:This study aimed to compare the answers given to the International Prostate Symptom score (IPSS) questionnaire by patients with the help of a physician according to age and education level.Materials and Methods:The study included 204 patients, aged 50-75 years, who presented for the first time at the Urology Department with complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms and had not previously completed an IPSS form. The patients were given IPSS questionnaires and asked to complete them. Then the patients completed the IPSS forms again with the help of their physicians. The results were compared statistically.Results:When the education level was assessed separately, a significant difference was observed regarding the IPSS form completed with the help of a physician (p<0.001). When the patients were divided by age as <60 years and ≥60 years, a statistically significant difference was seen in the IPSS values (p<0.001).Conclusion:Regardless of age and education level, a difference was found between filling the IPSS form with the assistance of a physician and by patients alone. Clinicians should consider this situation.

Keywords

• benign prostate hyperplasia
• ipss
• questionnaire forms