Engin Denizhan DEMİRKIRAN, Onur Baki ÇAVUŞ, Arkın ARICI, Bedirhan ESİN, Ezgi ÇETİN, Ayşegül KARAKAŞ, Nidanur AKPINAR, İsmail CUNEDİOĞLU, Cansel DEVECİ, Burcu OTURAK, Fatma Sude ŞENTÜRK, Tuna YILMAZ, Ayşe GÖKÇE, Janset Beyza ÇİFÇİ, Ceylin Naz AKSOY
Journal of Urological Surgery - 2026;13(3):234-240
Objective: To investigate the relationship between screen-related behavioral patterns, toilet postponement behavior, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in young adults. Materials and Methods: This university campus-based cross-sectional survey included participants aged >=18 years recruited through face-to-face interviews between May 1 and May 30, 2026. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, screen use habits, toilet postponement behavior, and LUTS. Study-specific composite digital behavior score (DBS), toilet postponement score (TPS), and LUTS scores were calculated. Correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 478 participants were included (mean age: 26.05+/-11.7 years; 62.1% female). DBS was positively correlated with TPS (rho=0.445, p<0.001), LUTS total score (rho=0.268, p<0.001), LUTS storage score (rho=0.140, p=0.002), and LUTS voiding score (rho=0.308, p<0.001). TPS was also associated with LUTS total score (rho=0.344, p<0.001). Participants reporting longer daily screen exposure had significantly higher DBS and TPS values (both p<0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, DBS (beta=0.439, p=0.002), TPS (beta=0.656, p<0.001), and tea/coffee consumption (beta=1.125, p<0.001) remained independently associated with higher LUTS total scores, whereas screen exposure duration was not associated (p=0.771). Conclusion: Screen-related behavioral patterns and toilet postponement behavior were independently associated with greater LUTS burden, whereas screen exposure duration alone was not associated with greater LUTS burden. Behavioral factors accompanying digital lifestyles may have a greater impact on urinary health than screen time itself.
