Adherence to Non-Antibiotic Prophylactic Regimens in Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Non-antibiotic regimens such as methenamine hippurate, D-mannose, and vaginal estrogen are often prescribed as prevention for recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). The objective of our study was to describe adherence rates in women prescribed non-antibiotic prophylaxis for rUTI and to explore factors associated with adherence.

This was an ambispective cohort study describing and comparing adherence to non-antibiotic prophylactic regimens for rUTIs. Adult women who sought care from a Urogynecology clinic at a tertiary care center for rUTIs or frequent UTIs between January 2020 and December 2021 were included if they were prescribed a non-antibiotic prophylactic regimen. The Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ) was administered to all eligible patients prospectively and then their charts were reviewed retrospectively for demographic and clinical factors. A score of 0 on the MAQ defined medication adherence. Any score ≥ 1 defined medication non-adherence.

A total of 90 patients met the inclusion criteria and completed the MAQ, with 33 (37%) in the adherent group and 57 (63%) in the non-adherent group. Mean age was 64.7 (± 14.7) years. Vaginal estrogen (81.1%) was the most commonly prescribed prophylactic regimen, followed by methenamine hippurate (26.7%). 73.3% of patients met criteria for rUTI at the index visit as per the American Urogynecologic Society best-practice statement. No demographic or clinical factors were associated with adherence to non-antibiotic prophylactic regimens.

Non-antibiotic prophylactic rUTI regimens are commonly prescribed; however, adherence remains low at 37%. There were no predictors associated with patient compliance. Clinicians should therefore inquire about adherence prior to escalating treatment.