Study: Social disparities linked with higher prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia

In an Andrologia study of 100,000 men in Korea, social disparities--such as low education level and low household income, current or previous use of medical aid health insurance, blue-collar employment or unemployment, divorce, and low social capital of communities--were all linked with a higher prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that is characterized by an enlarged prostate due to aging, lower urinary tract blockage, and other factors.

The authors noted that developing and disseminating health programs based on the community may contribute to positive perceptions of community and social activities, thus facilitating BPH prevention and improving the quality of life of patients with BPH.