Factors associated with stigma in adult women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections in China: A cross-sectional study

Background Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) pose significant risks to women’s physical and mental well-being, with the existence of social stigma further exacerbating the issue. Despite the prevalence and impact of this condition, there is a notable dearth of research exploring the specific stigma associated with uUTIs among women, particularly in regard to the influential factors. The current study seeks to address this gap in the literature, providing evidence of such stigma within the female population in China and identifying the key factors that contribute to its stigma. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and June 2023, during which samples were collected from 240 adult women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections from various healthcare facilities in Wuxi, China. General information questionnaires, the Chinese Version of the Social Impact Scale (range 24 to 96), the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, the Self-Rated Anxiety Scale and the Self-Rated Depression Scale were used. The influences associated with disease stigma were analyzed using a series of multiple regression models. Results The average stigma score of all participants was 2.71 ± 0.37, indicating a moderate level of shame. Multiple regression analyses revealed significant factors influencing stigma in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections, including symptom duration, typical uncomplicated urinary tract infections symptoms, frequency of uncomplicated urinary tract infections episodes, disease knowledge, anxiety and depression levels, and social support. Conclusion Higher stigma levels in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections correlated with increased anxiety and depression, reduced social support, frequent uncomplicated urinary tract infections episodes, longer symptom durations, limited disease knowledge, and typical symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency. These findings stress the necessity of reducing stigma's impact on women's well-being with uncomplicated urinary tract infections.