Definitions of variables used in the analysis.

a) For each NSAID, the WHO’s defined daily dose (DDD) used in the analysis is listed in parenthesis (in milligrams). The DDD is “the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used for its main indication in adults”(WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2002). Using DDDs, we effectively weighted the prescribed quantity of each NSAID by its anti-inflammatory potency.b) Based on the most valid chronic disease identification algorithms (those algorithms with the highest Kappa and Youden’s index values) from a comprehensive review of the literature performed by Lix et al (20).BPH: Benign prostate hypertrophy; CCBs-DH: Calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine; DMRD: Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; DRE: Digital rectal examination; GI: Gastro-intestinal; MEPS: Microscopic examination of prostatic secretions; TURP: Transurethral resection of prostate.