Intermittent Catheterization and Urinary Tract Infection: A Comparative Study Between Germany and Brazil

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common complication for individuals with spina bifida (SB) and neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
• Intermittent catheterization (IC) is a standard management strategy to mitigate these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and compare factors influencing UTI rates in SB patients with neurogenic bladder before and after initiating IC.
• To analyze the impact of different IC techniques on UTI incidence across varying socioeconomic contexts.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, descriptive, correlational study design was employed.
• Data were collected via a validated survey from 200 participants (patients or caregivers) in Germany and Brazil.
• Annual UTI episodes before and after IC initiation were evaluated.

Main Results:

• IC significantly reduced mean annual UTI episodes from 2.8 to 1.1 (P < .001) in both high-income (Germany) and middle-income (Brazil) nations.
• Self-catheterization (Germany) resulted in greater UTI reduction compared to assisted catheterization (Brazil).
• Women experienced a higher UTI burden but showed a greater reduction post-IC initiation.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent catheterization is effective in reducing UTIs for individuals with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder, irrespective of catheterization technique.
• Self-catheterization appears more beneficial for UTI reduction than assisted methods.
• Further comparative studies in diverse economic settings are crucial for optimizing nursing interventions and patient care.