Change in Patients’ Perspectives after Education on the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed patients’ understanding of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their perspectives on the management of BPH through a questionnaire and evaluated changes in perspective after patient education. Materials and Methods: From December 2007 to February 2008, 5 university hospitals participated in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and was completed by patients before and after the patients read the patient’s guide. The questionnaire was composed of 22 questions, which were grouped into 4 different categories. The patient’s guide was written in everyday words and was based on the American Urological Association patient’s guide. Results: A total of 141 patients who visited the urology department for treatment of symptoms suggestive of BPH participated in the survey. Understanding about the statement, "BPH does not progress to become prostate cancer" was increased after reading the patient’s guide (35.57%→73.87%, p＜0.001). The most preferred treatment option was drug therapy (45.4%→56.7%). Among the desirable effects of drug therapy, the patients’ preferences were amelioration of symptoms within a few weeks (51.1%→48.9%), reduction in prostate size (18.4%→24.1%), prevention of acute urinary retention (14.2%→13.5%), and prevention of prostate surgery (7.8%→8.5%). The potential side effect of drug therapy that patients were most concerned about was generalized weakness. Patients’ reluctance to undergo surgery was increased after reading the patient guide (9.9%→23.4%, p=0.002). Conslusions: Patients have considerable misunderstanding about BPH. More efforts should be exercised in patient education and in the development of public education programs. Because patients expect not only rapid symptom improvement but also a reduction in prostate size, physicians should consider these points when treating patients with BPH.