Purpose: To analyze the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients who survived moderate and severe forms of COVID-19 and the risk factors for LUTS six months after hospital discharge. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients were evaluated six months after being hospitalized due to COVID-19. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. General health was assessed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the EQ5D-L5 scale, which evaluates mobility, ability to perform daily activities, pain and discomfort and completed a self-perception health evaluation. Results: Of 255 participants, 54.1% were men and the median age was 57.3 [44.3 / 66.6] years. Pre-existing comorbidities included diabetes (35.7%), hypertension (54.5%), obesity (30.2%) and physical inactivity (65.5%). 124 (48.6%) had a hospital stay >15 days, 181 (71.0%) were admitted to an ICU and 124 (48.6%) needed mechanical ventilation. Median IPSS score was 6 [3-11] and did not differ between men and women. Moderate to severe LUTS affected 108 (42.4%) patients (40.6% men and 44.4% women; p=0.610). Nocturia (58.4%) and frequency (45.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms and urgency was the only symptom that affected men (29.0%) and women (44.4%) differently (p=0.013). LUTS significantly impacted the quality of life of 60 (23.5%) patients with women more severely affected (p=0.004). Preexisting diabetes, hypertension and self-perception of worse general health were associated with LUTS. Conclusions: LUTS are highly prevalent and bothersome six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. Assessment of LUTS may help ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This work was partially supported by donations from the general public under the HC COMVIDA crowdfunding scheme (https://viralcure.org/c/hc), Fundacao Faculdade de Medicina and Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP). GRANT 2022/01769-5.

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COMISSAO DE ETICA PARA ANALISE DE PROJETOS DE PESQUISA DO HOSPITAL DAS CLINICAS DA FACULDADE DE MEDICINA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE SAO PAULO - CAPPesq. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (approval number 4.270.242).

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