Association between Simvastatin and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chronic Disease Management Program Patients in Gorontalo, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24252/alami.v10i2.71245Keywords:
Adverse Effects, LUTS, Statin, Urinary BladderAbstract
Background: Adverse effects associated with simvastatin use have been linked to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which may negatively impact medication adherence.
Objective: To determine the association between simvastatin use and LUTS among PROLANIS patients in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia.
Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among PROLANIS patients residing in rural, peri‑urban, and urban areas of Gorontalo Province. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit eligible patients and sites. Simvastatin use was categorized according to duration of therapy (non‑users, <6 months, and >6 months). LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Significant LUTS was defined as an IPSS score ≥8.
Results: Of the 96 participants, 46.9% were regular long‑term simvastatin users. Clinically significant LUTS was reported by 28.1% of participants. A positive correlation was observed between the intensity of simvastatin use and LUTS severity (r=0.021, p=0.038). However, no significant difference in the proportion of statin users or LUTS prevalence was found across rural, urban, and peri‑urban areas.
Conclusion: Simvastatin use is associated with worsening LUTS. Further studies with larger sample sizes and multi‑centre designs are warranted to confirm these findings.
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