Prospective association of low serum total testosterone levels with health care utilization and costs in a population-based cohort of men

摘要: Summary Despite the burgeoning interest in field of andrology, no studies have specifically addressed impact serum testosterone levels on healthcare utilization and costs. We analysed data from population-based cohort Study Health Pomerania (SHIP), Germany, to assess association with self-reported health care costs at baseline 5 years follow up. sample comprised 2023 men baseline, whom 1530 were repeatedly examined. Low high levels, defined according age-specific 10th 90th percentile, compared reference subjects ≥10th −≤90th percentile. Two-part econometric models applied adjusting for socio-economic medical confounders. Cross-sectional revealed higher numbers outpatient visits both, low (+19.1 +19.9%, respectively) (+25.3 +30.2%, respectively), whereas number inpatient days not associated levels. Adjustment age, educational level, income, waist circumference, smoking status, physical activity alcohol consumption did considerably alter results. Longitudinal a significant increased follow-up (age-adjusted: +28.6%) (+38.0%) only. short-term costs, appear be predictive long-term Cost-effectiveness available treatments are necessary identify benefits physicians, patients system as whole.