Patient education for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): a systematic review

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a critical challenge when managing urinary tract infections (UTIs), highlighting the importance of education, behavioural changes, and non-antibiotic interventions as key preventative strategies. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions that bring about behaviour change or additional patient knowledge in a way that can reduce the risk of contracting a UTI in women.

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were identified through comprehensive searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, Embase, Eric, PubMed, and Scopus databases until 2 February 2026. The primary outcome was the number of UTIs in each group over the study's defined period. Secondary outcomes included UTI symptoms, antimicrobial use and prescription, and preventative UTI knowledge. A risk of bias assessment was performed using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 1 and Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for Qualitative Research.

Five studies, involving 709 patients presenting with a UTI were included. While there is variability in the methods used to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention, all included studies demonstrated that patient preventative education could potentially reduce the risk of contracting a UTI.

Education should be considered as a frontline intervention in the prevention and management of UTIs.

Patients presenting with urinary tract infections (UTIs) run the risk of reinfection or relapse. Effective education can bring about behavioral changes, which may reduce the prevalence of UTIs. Clinicians should consider providing educational material as a part of UTI management and prevention, and to support behavioural changes that may reduce recurrence.