Urine Cultures and Symptoms in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Author Information
Author(s): Sundvall Pär-Daniel, Ulleryd Peter, Gunnarsson Ronny K
Primary Institution: University of Gothenburg
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between bacteria in the urine and new or increased symptoms in elderly nursing home residents?
Conclusion
Urinary cultures provide little or no useful information when evaluating diffuse symptoms among elderly residents of nursing homes.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 651 elderly individuals from 32 nursing homes.
- Logistic regression indicated some correlations at group level.
- Only findings of E. coli in patients not being herself/himself for at least one month showed clinical relevance.
Takeaway
This study found that testing urine for bacteria doesn't help doctors understand why elderly people in nursing homes feel unwell.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study where urine samples were collected and symptoms were registered from elderly individuals in nursing homes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on subjective symptom reporting by nursing staff.
Limitations
The study may not represent all elderly individuals due to exclusion criteria and the challenges of obtaining urine samples from those with dementia.
Participant Demographics
651 elderly individuals, 74% women, mean age 86 years for women and 82 years for men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0080
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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