Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate (BPH), also known as prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition that affects a significant number of older men worldwide. It is characterized by the non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, leading to the compression of the urethra and subsequent urinary symptoms. BPH can significantly impact the quality of life for affected individuals, causing urinary difficulties, decreased urinary flow, frequent urination, nocturia (excessive urination at night) and other related problems [1-4].

Awareness about the symptoms and available treatment options for BPH is crucial in order to facilitate early diagnosis, appropriate management and improved patient outcomes. However, despite the prevalence of BPH and its impact on the elderly male population, there is a lack of research focusing on the awareness levels among general public [5-7].

This paper aims to assess the level of awareness among male patients regarding the symptoms and treatment options for BPH in the context of Civil Hospital, Nurpur. By identifying the gaps in knowledge, this study intends to shed light on the need for targeted educational interventions and strategies to improve awareness and early detection of BPH.

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the current level of awareness regarding BPH among patients in the studied population. By identifying specific knowledge gaps, healthcare professionals, policymakers and relevant stakeholders can develop tailored educational programs to improve patient awareness, encourage timely medical consultations and enhance the overall management of BPH.

Ultimately, the outcomes of this research will contribute to the body of knowledge concerning BPH awareness in rural healthcare settings and aid in the development of effective strategies to enhance patient education, thereby promoting early diagnosis and appropriate management of BPH in the region.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the awareness about Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate (BPH) among male patients attending outpatient department of Civil hospital, Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Hospital based cross-sectional survey design

• Setting of the Study: OPD in Civil hospital Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between January 2023- April 2023

• Study Population: Male patients aged above 30 years came to OPD 

• Sample Size: 400 male patients, assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate (BPH), 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level and 5% non-response rate.

• Sampling Technique: Convenience Sampling technique

• Sampling Criteria: First five male patients who came to OPD were selected everyday till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent was taken from them and confidentiality of the selected participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria: Male patients who were willing to participate in the study.

• Exclusion Criteria: Male patients who were not willing to participate in the study

Description of Tool 

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education, family’s monthly income etc

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions having three options (yes, no, don’t know). The participants have to choose right one. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80% (16-20) = very good, 60-79% (12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair, <40% (<8) = poor

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Data collection by under the guidance of supervisors and patients were given 30 minutes’ time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data analysis with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage

The goal of the current study was to assess the awareness about Hypertrophy of Prostate (BPH) among male patients attending outpatient department of Civil hospital, Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh (Table 1).

A total of 400 respondents including 145 (36.25%) were from urban area and 255(63.75%) were from rural area were participated in the study. Among the total of 400 male patients came to OPD, maximum 118 (29.5%) were having age between 21-30 years, educated up to Matric and Senior Secondary 166 (41.5%) Hindu 376 (94.0%) and employed 301 (75.25%) (Table 2).

In the present study 15.5% (62) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate (BPH), 26.25% (105) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 23.75% (95) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 34.5% (138) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 3).

Table 1: Socio Demographic Characteristics of the Participants

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Table 2: Knowledge Regarding Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate (BPH) among Study Participants

Table 3: Knowledge Score Regarding Benign Hypertrophy of Prostate (BPH) among Study Participants

The findings of our study indicate the current level of awareness regarding BPH symptoms and treatment options among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital, Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh. The study revealed that a significant proportion of patients had limited knowledge about the symptoms associated with BPH, such as decreased urinary flow, frequent urination and nocturia. This lack of awareness could potentially lead to delayed diagnosis and management of the condition, resulting in worsened symptoms and decreased quality of life for patients [8].

Our findings are consistent with previous studies conducted in similar settings. For example, a study by Sharma et al8 conducted in a rural area of India reported a low level of awareness among patients regarding BPH symptoms and treatment options. These results highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness and facilitate early detection of BPH.

The low level of awareness regarding BPH among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital, Nurpur, has several implications for healthcare delivery. Firstly, there is a need for healthcare professionals to proactively educate patients about BPH during routine consultations. Providing clear and concise information about the symptoms, risk factors and available treatment options can empower patients to seek timely medical attention.

Additionally, healthcare facilities should consider implementing awareness campaigns targeting the local community to improve knowledge about BPH. These campaigns can utilize various communication channels such as community meetings, health fairs and mass media to reach a wider audience and disseminate accurate information.

Limitations and Future Directions

While our study provides valuable insights into the awareness levels among patients regarding BPH in the studied population, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific healthcare setting in Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions or settings. Future studies should aim to include a more diverse sample from various healthcare facilities to obtain a comprehensive understanding of BPH awareness levels in the broader population.

Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias or social desirability bias. Future research could employ objective measures, such as medical record review, to corroborate patients' self-reported awareness levels.

In conclusion, our study highlights the need for improved awareness regarding BPH symptoms and treatment options among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital, Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh. Targeted educational interventions, utilizing reliable sources of information and involving healthcare professionals, are essential for empowering patients to recognize BPH symptoms, seek early medical consultation and enhance the overall management of the condition.

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). “Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia).” NIDDK, May 2023, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia.

2. Mayo Clinic. “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).” Mayo Clinic, May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087.

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).” Johns Hopkins Medicine, May 2023, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph.

4. Medscape. “Benign prostatic hyperplasia.” Medscape, May 2023, emedicine.medscape.com/article/437359-overview.

5. Ertel, P. et al. “Understanding patient and physician perceptions of benign prostatic hyperplasia in asia pacific, latin America and the commonwealth of independent states: The prostate research on behaviour and education (PROBE) II survey.” International Journal of Clinical Practice, vol. 70, no. 10, October 2016, pp. 870–880.

6. U.S. Pharmacist. “Guidelines for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.” U.S. Pharmacist, May 2023, www.uspharmacist.com/article/guidelines-for-the-treatment-of-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia.

7. Mayo Clinic. “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): diagnosis and treatment.” Mayo Clinic, May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370093.

8. Sharma, A. et al. “Awareness regarding benign prostatic hyperplasia among patients attending outpatient department of rural health and training center, Karjat, Maharashtra, India.” Indian Journal of Urology, vol. 33, no. 3, 2017, pp. 219–223.