EFFECT OF AGE, EDUCATIONAL STATUS, ETHNICITY AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION ON PROSTATE SYMPTOM SCORES

We evaluated the effect of patient age, educational status, ethnicity and geographic location upon the American Urological Association benig n prostatic hyperplasia symptom scores. Using patients attending Prost ate Cancer Awareness Week, we collected additional data on the symptom score and also on education received. A total of 2,245 records was ob tained from 4 different centers. Of the population 72% were white and 13% were black. Regression analysis of patient age versus symptom scor e demonstrated an increase with patient age from 4.59 at age 40 years to 8.17 at age 70 years. Analysis of covariance revealed significant d ifferences in age-adjusted scores between sites from 6.24 in New Orlea ns, Louisiana to 8.58 in Madison, Wisconsin. No effect was noted for e ducation or ethnicity on symptom scores.