Urinary tract infections are common among young people, especially sexually active young women. They are easily treated with antibiotics, yet some people face barriers to care. Evidence suggests that women who perceive barriers may delay or forgo care they need.  

New research led by Jennifer Yarger, PhD, explores what young people perceive as barriers to care for UTIs. The research team surveyed people 18-25 at community colleges in California and Texas who were assigned female at birth. 

They found that young people perceive barriers at each step of the process they have to navigate to get care, from recognizing the need for care to engaging with health care providers. The most common barriers were concerns about hearing bad news, appointment delays, cost, fear of parents learning about their symptoms, time constraints, and concerns that they might have a sexually transmitted infection. People reported more perceived barriers if they were younger, Asian/Pacific Islanders, non-English speakers are home, food insecure, or didn’t have a usual source of care. 

This research shows substantial challenges to UTI care, especially among people who are socially disadvantaged. Youth-focused interventions, including education and expanded telehealth, can help promote health equity for UTIs.