Few studies have harnessed social media to explore patients’ experiences with urinary tract infection (UTI); therefore, we captured UTI experiences and future research suggestions through a Twitter-disseminated survey. The survey posed three qualitative questions inquiring about the impact of UTIs, greatest UTI management hurdle, and research suggestions. We also asked participants to rate how seriously others perceive UTIs and the importance of UTIs in their life (scale: 1–100 (highest)). The study period spanned from January to June 2021. Coding was performed in duplicate, followed by thematic analysis. Of 466 participants from 22 countries, 128 considered their UTIs recurrent (n = 43) or chronic (n = 85). Six major themes emerged: UTIs drastically impact (1) physical and (2) mental health and (3) cause severe limitations in life activities. Patients reported (4) negative clinician interactions and perceived inadequate care, (5) a lack of knowledge and awareness surrounding UTIs, and (6) research gaps in UTI diagnostics and treatment. The participants considered UTIs extremely important (median: 100, IQR: 90–100), but characterized others’ perceptions of them as less serious (median: 20, IQR: 10–30). Our survey revealed a patient population struggling with UTIs, particularly chronic UTIs. Our findings highlight perceived shortcomings in current UTI treatment and diagnostics.
Non-prescription antibiotic use (using antibiotics without clinical guidance) increases the risk of the development of antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions, and other potential patient harm. Few studies have explored non-prescription use in children in the U.S. From January 2021 to April 2022, a diverse sample of caregivers of children under 18 years were surveyed in English and Spanish at two safety net clinics in Texas. We assessed the prevalence of antibiotic use in children in the previous 12 months, storage of antimicrobials, and intended use of non-prescription antibiotics (professed intention for future non-prescription antibiotic use). We also measured sociodemographic factors, types of antibiotics used, and symptoms that trigger non-prescription use. The response rate was 82%, and 17% were surveyed in Spanish. Of 322 participants surveyed, three Spanish-speaking caregivers reported giving non-prescription antibiotics to their child in the previous 12 months. Approximately 21% (n = 69) reported storing antimicrobials at home, specifically amoxicillin (n = 52), clindamycin (n = 10), cephalexin (n = 5), penicillin (n = 3), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 3). Nearly 15% (n = 46) reported intention to give non-prescription antibiotics to their children. Younger caregiver age was associated with storage and intended use of non-prescription antibiotics. Our findings will guide the development of an educational intervention to decrease non-prescription antibiotic use.
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