Herbal products versus antibiotics for urinary tract infections-analysis of patient attitudes

Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections accompanied by inflammation in any part of the urinary system. Antibiotics are the gold standard for UTI treatment; however, herbal products are also administered. The study aimed to assess patients' attitudes and opinions regarding the use and effectiveness of antibiotics and herbal products for the treatment of UTIs.

Methods

A quantitative, non-experimental study was conducted using an online survey in the Republic of Serbia in 2021 and 2022.

Results

The study comprised 393 respondents, with average age of 34.66 years and most respondents being women (91.9%). According to the personal assessment, slightly less than half of the respondents (46.1%) classified UTI symptoms as severe. Respondents predominantly treated UTI symptoms with herbal products combined with antibiotics (52.2%) or herbal products alone (26.6%). The most frequently used antibiotics were ciprofloxacin (20.9%), cephalexin (16.9%), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (15.4%). As many as 74.3% of respondents used herbal teas. The most used herbal products contained bearberry leaf (Uvae ursi folium) (52.1%), parsley leaf/root (Petroselini foium/radix) (15.1%), and cranberry fruit (Vaccinii macrocarpi fructus) (12.6%). Self-assessment of the effectiveness of UTI treatment with antibiotics and herbal products was high.

Conclusion

The antibiotics used to treat UTIs did not align with the guidelines of the European Association of Urologists. Further, the use of herbal products was frequently observed. Therefore, community pharmacists, who serve as the most accessible healthcare professionals with competent knowledge about herbal products, should adequately inform patients about potential therapeutic options for UTI.