Knowledge and usage of prevention measures against urinary tract infections among young women

Abstract

Background. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infection among young women. Objectives. The study evaluated knowledge and usage of methods of UTI prevention and awareness in women. Material and methods. 150 women age ≥ 16 years (mean 23.3 ± 4.9 years) took part in the web-based survey: https://profilaktykazum. webankieta.pl/. The survey was disseminated through social media, discussion groups for women and a group blog. Results. Women identified mostly such methods of UTI prevention as wiping in the correct direction after urination, wearing cotton underwear and increased water consumption, but used these methods with lesser frequency. The respondents were asked to choose the right prevention methods. Nearly a third chose at least one incorrect answer. The recognition of correct UTI prevention methods was higher (p = 0.02) among women with a positive history of UTI events. Close relatives, general practitioners and medical specialists remain the main source of knowledge about UTI prevention and management. 63% of women reported having at least one diagnosed episode of UTI in their lifetime, and 63% of them sought the help of a general practitioner. Conclusions. A majority of women have at least one episode of UTI in their lifetime, but despite this, they tend to recognise the condition as benign and neither report it to general practitioners nor take antibiotics. Most females are able to identify the proper methods of UTI prevention, but the utilisation of these methods seems to be insufficient. The survey results could be used by family doctors as educational material to increase awareness of UTI symptoms, prevention and treatment among women.