QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE WITH SUPRAPUBIC CATHETER VS. INDWELLING URETHRAL CATHETER

Abstract

Introduction: Long-term urinary catheterization can significantly affect quality of life (QoL). Suprapubic catheter (SPC) and indwelling urethral catheter (IUC) are commonly used, but their impact on QoL and complication rates may differ.

Objective: To compare QoL outcomes and catheter-related complications in patients with SPC versus IUC.

Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Institute of Kidney diseases Hayatabad Peshawar for a period of six months from March 2025 to August 2025. A total of 140 adult patients requiring long-term catheterization (≥3 months) were enrolled, with 70 using SPC and 70 using IUC. QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Catheter-related complications were recorded. Independent t-tests and Chi-square tests compared continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate linear regression was performed to adjust for confounders including age, gender, comorbidities, duration of catheter use, and complications.

Results: SPC users demonstrated significantly higher QoL scores across all domains: physical (62.8 ± 11.4 vs. 55.6 ± 12.1, p <0.001), psychological (65.1 ± 10.7 vs. 59.3 ± 11.5, p = 0.002), social (61.0 ± 12.9 vs. 54.7 ± 13.2, p = 0.005), and environmental (64.5 ± 10.9 vs. 58.6 ± 11.3, p = 0.003). CAUTIs occurred in 23 (32.9%) SPC users versus 39 (55.7%) IUC users (p = 0.006), and urethral trauma occurred only in IUC users 16 (22.9%). Multivariate regression confirmed catheter type as an independent predictor of QoL.

Conclusion: SPC is associated with better QoL and fewer urethral complications compared with IUC, making it a preferred long-term catheterization option in suitable patients, with attention to stoma care.