ArticleHealth expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy2026
Women's Experiences of Recurrent UTIs: A Qualitative Study of Preventive Management and Decision Support Needs.
Article in Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionRecurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are common in women and significantly impact their daily lives. Prophylactic antibiotics are the primary preventive option for rUTIs when other options have been unsuccessful, but their use can increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to explore women's experiences of rUTIs and the support needed to make decisions about prevention and management.
methodsQualitative focus groups were conducted with 25 women with self-reported rUTIs, discussing hypothetical vignettes related to rUTI management. Topic guides were co-produced with women with lived experience and informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Data were analysed thematically.
resultsThemes included: (1) Recurrent UTIs are a debilitating condition, (2) Current healthcare does not support women with rUTIs, (3) 'Why is this happening?' (4) Preventive options are frequently tried with varying success and (5) Greater support is needed for women with rUTIs. Overall, women experienced rUTIs as a chronic condition and believed it should be managed with greater continuity. Women experienced stigma attached to rUTI, exacerbated by repeated discussions about hygiene from healthcare professionals (HCPs). Women had concerns around antibiotic use but were reluctant to stop prophylaxis if it was effectively preventing rUTIs; a contingency plan to address potential recurrences could help. Women reported mixed success with non-antibiotic strategies but were interested in trialling these with greater guidance from HCPs.
conclusionImproved management of rUTI requires greater continuity and proactive discussions on prevention, including better support for discussions on risks and benefits to enhance shared decision-making. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Four female public contributors with experience of rUTI were involved from study planning to completion. They helped co-develop the topic guide vignettes, suggested potential recruitment routes and commented on the interpretation of themes in the context of their lived experience.
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