Gotta Go Right Now: Assessing and Educating College Women About UTIs
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 50% of women in their lifetime (Hhs.gov). The prevalence of UTIs increases with age, except for a spike seen in women aged 18-39 (Medina, 2019). UTIs cause significant psychological distress, financial impact, and scientific implications (Richtel, 2019). Previous studies have found support of UTI education enhancement interventions changing participants behavioral intention; a positive association between UTI knowledge and prevention practices was demonstrated. However, there are no studies investigating impact of educational programs on health behavior of university students and their knowledge of UTIs. The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge of UTIs among college-aged women, provide UTI prevention education, and investigate intention to practice UTI prevention behaviors following education. Using cross-sectional methodology, an online survey was administered via email to a convenience sample of non-pregnant female NSU postsecondary students aged 18-30. The survey was completed by 42 respondents, of which 38 met the inclusion criteria. Survey questions were based on constructs of the health belief model to assess participants’ risk, knowledge, and behavioral intention. Results showed that over half of respondents had learned something from the education provided. Self-efficacy was found to be higher among participants after education. A high intent to adopt health prevention behaviors was also seen after education. The findings suggest that participants gained knowledge on UTI prevention and that education that was provided may be effective in promoting UTI preventative behaviors.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Nicole Cook
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-6-2021 12:00 PM
End Date
4-9-2021 12:00 PM
Gotta Go Right Now: Assessing and Educating College Women About UTIs
Alvin Sherman Library
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 50% of women in their lifetime (Hhs.gov). The prevalence of UTIs increases with age, except for a spike seen in women aged 18-39 (Medina, 2019). UTIs cause significant psychological distress, financial impact, and scientific implications (Richtel, 2019). Previous studies have found support of UTI education enhancement interventions changing participants behavioral intention; a positive association between UTI knowledge and prevention practices was demonstrated. However, there are no studies investigating impact of educational programs on health behavior of university students and their knowledge of UTIs. The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge of UTIs among college-aged women, provide UTI prevention education, and investigate intention to practice UTI prevention behaviors following education. Using cross-sectional methodology, an online survey was administered via email to a convenience sample of non-pregnant female NSU postsecondary students aged 18-30. The survey was completed by 42 respondents, of which 38 met the inclusion criteria. Survey questions were based on constructs of the health belief model to assess participants’ risk, knowledge, and behavioral intention. Results showed that over half of respondents had learned something from the education provided. Self-efficacy was found to be higher among participants after education. A high intent to adopt health prevention behaviors was also seen after education. The findings suggest that participants gained knowledge on UTI prevention and that education that was provided may be effective in promoting UTI preventative behaviors.
