Abstract
BackgroundRecurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) are commonly presented by women in primary care. In order to explore the poorly described experience of women with RUTIs a qualitative study was conducted that analysed data from a publically accessible internet-based self-help forum.MethodsQualitative Description was used to analyse the text with an emphasis on using the naturalistic language of the informants to portray their perceptions and experiences of RUTIs. Individual codes were identified inductively and grouped according to common ideas into related categories, before being incorporated into five main themes.ResultsWomen of diverse ages and geographical location contributed to the website. Themes were identified that vividly explored the atypical symptomatology of RUTIs, the serious impact it had on many aspects of women’s lives, different attitudes to treatments options such as antibiotics, the use of unorthodox approaches such as complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and contrasting experiences of medical practitioners.ConclusionA web-based analysis can vividly capture the views of a diverse population. RUTIs can have a disabling effect on women’s health, their intimate and social relationships, self-esteem, and capacity for work. Further research is required to clarify the wider relevance of the qualitative themes identified, to identify key elements of good practice, and to provide a more rigorous assessment of CAM interventions.
Highlights
Recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) are commonly presented by women in primary care
In the UK urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the commonest bacterial infection presented by women in primary care [1] with approximately 40–50% of women experiencing one lifetime episode [2]
RUTIs can reduce quality of life and increase healthcare costs associated with outpatient visits, diagnostic tests and prescriptions
Summary
Recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) are commonly presented by women in primary care. In the UK urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the commonest bacterial infection presented by women in primary care [1] with approximately 40–50% of women experiencing one lifetime episode [2]. Recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) are defined as three episodes of UTIs in the previous 12 months [3]. Between 20–30% of women who have one episode will have a further episode and around 25% of these will develop RUTI [4]. RUTIs can reduce quality of life and increase healthcare costs associated with outpatient visits, diagnostic tests and prescriptions. Antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent RUTIs [5] but is commonly associated with unpleasant side effects such as oral and vaginal candidiasis and gastrointestinal disturbances, and occasionally more severe side effects.
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