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Public knowledge, self-management and advice-seeking for lower urinary tract symptoms and nocturia: findings from a national UK cross-sectional survey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and nocturia, public knowledge of associated risk factors, self-management practices and advice-seeking behaviours among community-dwelling adults in the UK, as well as to examine the sociodemographic correlates of these outcomes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey. SETTING: Community based, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 2062 UK adults accessed the survey; 2012 provided complete sociodemographic data for analysis (50.2% female, 49.8% male; 81.7% white, 9.4% Asian/Asian British; aged 18-65+ years); convenience sampling via online panels and networks, with informed consent. INTERVENTIONS: None (observational survey study). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of LUTS/nocturia; awareness of symptoms/risk factors; self-management strategies; advice sources; demographic associations. RESULTS: Among all respondents, 52.7% reported experiencing nocturia, with 42.2% having symptoms nightly and 47.1% waking at least twice per night. While 90.5% recognised fluid intake before bed as a cause, knowledge of other risk factors (eg, cardiovascular disease, salt intake, sleep disorders) was limited. Nearly half (43.2%) of those with symptoms had never sought advice; only 27% sought professional input. Online resources (eg, National Health Service website, Google) were consulted more frequently than healthcare professionals. Age, sex, ethnicity, long-term condition status and disability were associated with variations in awareness and advice-seeking behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia is highly prevalent, but advice-seeking is quite low. While awareness of behavioural contributors is relatively good, several contributing medical conditions and other health-related factors were less known. These findings highlight a need for national health literacy campaigns focused on specific risk factors, evidence-based self-care tools and greater professional engagement. Addressing these gaps can normalise discussions about bladder health, reduce stigma and improve early detection and management of LUTS in the community.

Source: BMJ Open

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-117157

Authors: Austen El-Osta, Sami Altalib, Eva Riboli-Sasco, Jonathan Rees, Marcus J Drake

Institution: Imperial College London

Language: English

Topic: Urinary Bladder and Prostate Research

Subfield: Urology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,839