Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to compare urinary tract infection (UTI) rates, health-related quality of life (QoL) and intermittent catheter (IC) experience, and satisfaction among participants who used hydrophilic ICs with a ring cap, protective introducer tip, and sleeve (Group A) to those who used ICs without this combination of features (Group B). DESIGN: Analysis of data from a prospective, observational, longitudinal continence care registry. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 222 monthly or quarterly electronic patient-reported outcome registry visits across 32 intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) users from the US, Canada, and the UK. Participants self-reported data directly into a secure cloud-based electronic data capture system. METHODS: Generalized linear mixed models that were capable of modeling the longitudinal nature of the data structure within the registry were employed. These models were used to compare UTI odds, QoL scores based on the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q), and ISC satisfaction and experience ratings between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Group A had a significantly lower likelihood of experiencing a UTI than Group B (odds ratio = 0.38; P = .035). Furthermore, total ISC-Q scores for Group A were significantly greater than Group B (P = .044). The ISC-Q difference of 8.85 points exceeded the ISC-Q minimum important difference range of 4.94 to 8.73 points, indicating a clinically relevant difference in QoL for Group A compared to Group B. Additionally, ISC users from Group A reported significantly greater satisfaction and more positive ISC experiences compared to IC users from Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Participants using hydrophilic ICs with a ring cap, protective introducer tip, and sleeve (Group A) demonstrated significantly lower UTI risk, greater QoL, and better ISC satisfaction and experience than participants who used ICs from Group B. These findings indicate the beneficial use of Group A hydrophilic ICs.