Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) is the gold standard for managing urinary retention, yet long-term use is associated with burdens. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) affect many individuals performing CISC, yet Australian qualitative perspectives on lived experiences with CISC and infection remain scarce. We aimed to explore the personal experiences of individuals undertaking intermittent catheterisation and to understand their experiences with CAUTIs.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants recruited from community-based settings across Australia as part of a larger randomised controlled trial. Interviews were conducted online via Zoom in January 2025, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase reflexive thematic analysis. The sample comprised nine females and five males, with a median age of 60 years and a median self-catheterisation duration of 4.2 years.
Four overarching themes were identified: (i) physical and psychological impact, including emotional exhaustion, embarrassment, and anxiety associated with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the daily demands of CISC; (ii) social and practical challenges, encompassing avoidance of social activities, inadequate public facilities, and the burden of carrying equipment; (iii) treatment experiences and systemic barriers, including delays in accessing general practitioners, concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, and self-medication practices; and (iv) support, funding, and continuity of care, reflecting the value of continence nursing support alongside anxieties surrounding National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding sustainability.
Recurrent CAUTIs and CISC impose a profound and multidimensional burden on individuals' physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Infection, disease & health. 2026 Jun 18 [Epub ahead of print]
Mahnaz Fanaian, Katrina Browne, Hailey R Donnelly, Georgia Matterson, Philip L Russo, Allen Cheng, Peta E Tehan, Nicole M White, Brett G Mitchell
School of Nursing and Health, Avondale University, New South Wales, Australia., School of Nursing and Health, Avondale University, New South Wales, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia., School of Nursing and Health, Avondale University, New South Wales, Australia; Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia; Cabrini Health, Malvern, Victoria, Australia., Infectious Diseases, Monash Health and School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia., School of Nursing and Health, Avondale University, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Melbourne, Victoria, Australia., Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia., School of Nursing and Health, Avondale University, New South Wales, Australia; Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia; Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: .