Living With and Managing Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection: Mixed Methods Analysis of Patient Insights From Social Media

• DOI: 10.2196/58882
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T14:52:23Z
• Authors: Melissa L Kramer; Jose Medina Polo; Nishant Kumar; Aruni Mulgirigama; Amina Benkiran

Background Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) affect more than half of women in their lifetime and can impact on quality life. We analyzed social media posts discussing uUTIs to gather insights into the patient experience, including aspects disease management journey associated opinions concerns. Objective This study aims experience by analyzing that discussed uUTI. Methods A search string (“urinary infection” [UTI] or “bladder “cystitis” “UTI” not “interstitial cystitis”) was used identify from public blogs forums (June 2021 June 2023). Posts were excluded if they written English complicated UTI (posts mentioned “pregnancy” “pregnant” “trimester” “catheter” “interstitial”). limited publicly available sources anonymized. The primary objective perspectives key elements uUTI health care professional (HCP) interactions, diagnosis, treatment, recurrence. Results In total, 42,000 unique identified (mostly reddit.com; 29,506/42,265, 70%) >3600 analyzed. most commonly users United States (6707/11,180, 60%), Kingdom (2261/11,180, 20%), Canada (509/11,180, 5%), Germany (356/11,180, 3%), India (320/11,180, 3%). Six main themes identified: symptom awareness information seeking, HCP diagnosis challenges, with antibiotics, self-management, challenges recurrent UTI. Most highlighted importance seeking medical advice, while some patients raised concerns regarding interactions lack shared decision-making. Patients searched for advice guidance web prior consulting an HCP, described symptoms, lifestyle adjustments. tried self-management experiences nonprescribed treatment options. There general agreement among antibiotics are necessary cure UTIs prevent complications. Conclusions Social provide valuable insight Canada, Germany, India, Kingdom, States. this a complete picture behaviors highlight potential education, as well better communication through decision-making improve care.