Uncertainty Management Strategies in Communication About Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection, and yet the etiology, treatment, and prevention of UTIs are often clouded by uncertainty. UTIs can cause severe pain and may lead to serious infection, but communication about UTIs can help individuals manage this condition and avoid recurring UTIs. Grounded in uncertainty management theory (UMT), this study explored how individuals with female anatomy manage uncertainty surrounding UTIs. Iterative analysis was employed using UMT to analyze 21 qualitative interviews. Participants used uncertainty management strategies of talking to health care providers, eliciting social support, and using the internet to gather information. Results indicated that talking to heath care providers was a dominant strategy intended to reduce uncertainty about the diagnosis and treatment of their symptoms. However, these interactions inadvertently increased uncertainty as well, as providers did not provide information about the causes and prevention of UTIs. Some participants also engaged in deception to reduce uncertainty about how their providers would respond to their pain and their illness. Finally, participants employed metaphors to interpret and neutralize uncertainty related to their experiences. Implications for these findings include guidelines and support for patient and provider communication, communication in social networks, as well as deeper nuances and development for UMT.