Date of Conferral
2017
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Health
Advisor
Tolulope A. Osoba
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are diagnosed in female populations primarily in ambulatory care settings in the United States. Yet, published evidence documents that many of the antibiotics prescribed in these settings are unnecessary, erroneous, or, inappropriately prescribed. Improper management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women has resulted in higher morbidity rates due to antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this retrospective observational cohort study was to explore a current national database for associations between nonpregnant American female patients who were exposed to poverty and at risk for urinary tract infection antibiotic resistance in an ambulatory care setting. Krieger's ecosocial theory was utilized as the study's theoretical foundation to complement current public health social change priorities. Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed to explore potential associations with urinary tract infections and antibiotic resistance. The sample consisted of ambulatory patients with urinary tract infection symptoms (n=45). The independent variables selected were antibiotics prescribed initially in 3 months or less after the onset of urinary tract infection symptoms, the continuation of antibiotics prescribed in 12 months or less after recurrence, and three classes of antibiotics prescribed for urinary tract infection symptoms known as broad-spectrum, narrow-spectrum, and combined broad- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics, while the dependent variable was urinary tract infection antibiotic resistance. Relationships between the variables were analyzed using binary logistic regression, however, there were no statistically significant outcomes. Promoting antibiotic stewardship programs in all health care settings in the U.S. can effect positive social changes that will prevent further antibiotic resistance.
Recommended Citation
Wiesehuegel, Wendy Denise, "Predictors of UTI Antibiotic Resistance for Female Medicaid Recipients in U.S. Ambulatory Care Settings" (2017). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 4262.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4262
