UTI (urinary tract infection) affects around 404 million people globally every year (85% in females), and is one of the biggest contributors to the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Despite this, funding for UTI research is scarce. Clinical trials and patient-focused UTI research that do move forward are typically limited in terms of who is eligible to participate.
We want to change this, and we need your help. Whatever your experience of UTI, we want to hear from you.
Why do we need your help?
We’re calling on everyone in our community to join this research and help us shape the future of UTI research.
Our primary goals are to demonstrate to researchers just how many people suffer from recurrent or chronic UTI, and to illustrate how those experiences impact quality of life.
If we can demonstrate the vast scope of the problem, we hope more research will be funded.
To accomplish this, we need as many people as possible to join this research.
If you’re willing to complete a series of online surveys to share your UTI experience, please apply for the study!
Who can join the study?
We’re looking for participants who:
- Have female urinary anatomy
- Are aged 18 or over
- Experience recurrent or chronic UTI
- Are based anywhere in the world and can complete surveys online
Are there any benefits to joining?
Participants who complete the study will be entered into a prize draw, where two winners will be provided with a voucher or gift card in their preferred currency, to the value of USD100.
Participants will also be contributing to this important research, which will allow us to better demonstrate why UTI research funding is needed for ALL patients.
What does study participation require?
Participants can complete this entire study online and will have the option to participate in one of two groups:
Cross-sectional group – Complete a short series of surveys, including a symptom tracking survey on a day they are experiencing UTI symptoms as well as one on a day they are not.
Longitudinal group – Complete a short series of surveys, then a symptom tracking survey every day for 40 days.
Where will the results of the study be published?
This study has been approved by The University of Reading (approval number: 2023-129-KF) and we aim to publish the results in a peer reviewed journal, as well as directly via our website and social media channels.
Through this project, we will do everything we can to raise awareness about the patient experience of recurrent and chronic UTI and the crucial need for more research funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the criteria for inclusion in this study?
A: Some criteria have been outlined that determine if an individual may participate in this particular study. Because this study aims to document the variations in patient experiences, restrictions are minimal and most participants who meet the baseline criteria listed above will be eligible. The best way to find out whether you are eligible is to complete the screening questionnaire. If you are excluded after completing the screening questionnaire, a list describing any exclusion criteria will be displayed on the screen or sent to you by email.
If a specific criterion listed does not apply to you, a combination of answers may have excluded you from this study. If you have additional questions, you can get in touch with the research team.
Participation in or exclusion from the Bladder Biome Project 2023 do not exclude you from participating in the Global UTI Project.
Q: I have another health condition, can I participate?
A: Yes, participants with other health conditions are eligible. We recommend completing the screening questionnaire to determine if you qualify. It’s very important for the success of the study that participant answers are accurate, so please provide any information you feel may be relevant.
Q: Are there any geographic restrictions on participation?
A: No! Participants in all regions are welcome to participate – the more regions the better.
Q: If I am excluded from the study, can I request that my information be deleted?
A: Using a screening questionnaire of this type is a standard protocol for research and it has been approved by an ethics board. Your personal information and contact details will not be shared with any third parties. If you do not qualify for this study, the information you provide will be stored until data collection for the study is finished and will then be deleted. Should you make a request prior to the study being finished, your data will be deleted.
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