OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and related factors of prostatitis-like symptoms among young men.

METHODSThe study was a cross-sectional survey of 2500 young men aged 18-30 years in the city of Weifang, and all of them completed a questionnaire on prostatitis. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression procedures were used to investigate the risk factors among the young men with chronic prostatitis-like symptoms.

RESULTSThe valid response rate was 85% (n = 2125). Of the 128 subjects (6.02%) identified as having chronic prostatitis-like symptoms, the mean age was 21.8 years, the average pain score was 6.98 +/- 0.29, and the average voiding score was 3.77 +/- 0.25. Of the sampled population, 39 men had prostatitis-like symptoms with an index pain score of 8 or more. Significant risk factors include frequent masturbation, prolonged sitting, long-time fixed posture, cold environment, stress at home and work.

CONCLUSIONThe study suggested that chronic prostatitis-like symptoms are common among young men, and the urethritis history, frequent masturbation, prolonged sitting, long-time urine holding, cold environment, and stress at home and work might be significant risk factors.