Abstract

Background

People living with long-term indwelling urinary catheterization at home are increasing globally. Few studies on prevalence have been done globally and none in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the prevalence and indications of long-term indwelling urinary catheterization (IUC) at home in Northwestern Tanzania and to determine the reasons for staying long with an indwelling urinary catheter after diagnosis of benign prostatic hypertrophy was confirmed.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at urology clinic at Bugando Medical Centre, a referral hospital in the Northwestern Zone of Tanzania. The study population included 2112 patients attending the urology clinic from December 2016 to September 2017 with different conditions. From this population, 202 out-patients living with a long-term IUC either suprapubic or urethral were conveniently selected. A review of hospital records of these 202 out-patients was done using a pre-tested checklist. Patients were interviewed to collect additional information. Data were analyzed using STATA version 13(college station, Texas). Descriptive statistics were used for categorical variable, whereas median [inter quartile range (IQR)] was used for continuous variables.

Results

The prevalence of out-patients living at home with an IUC was 9.6% (202/2112), CI (8.4–10.8). Age ranged from 18 to 95 years with the median age of 69 [IQR 61–77] years. Males 195(96.5%) formed the majority of participants. A total of 111 (54.9%) had catheters for ≥ six weeks and 123 (60.9%) had their catheters changed at least once. Common indications were benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), 129 (63.9%) and urethral stricture 34 (16.8%). Reasons for the long stay with an IUC at home, especially for those without National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) 49(94.2%) were endless appointments 23(52.3%), no money to pay for surgery 9(20.5%) and medical conditions 7 (16%). Only 3(0.1%) were under NHIF and were treated promptly.

Conclusion

Prevalence of long-term IUC in Northwestern Tanzania is high. Improved health care system is required to lower the high prevalence of long-term IUC at home through training of more urologists and these patients to be under the scheme of NHIF.