Prevalence and Characteristics of Urinary Catheter Blockage in Patients With Long-Term Urinary Catheterization: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of urinary catheter blockage in older patients using objective indicators and to characterize obstructive materials and microbiota.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 65 years with an indwelling catheter for ≥ 24 h were recruited from a long-term care hospital. Blockage was defined using objective indicators including residual urine volume, leakage, reinsertion urine volume and resistance to saline injection. Samples were analysed for composition and microbiota.

RESULTS

Among 77 patients, 29.9% experienced catheter blockage. Blockage was associated with shorter catheterization duration and greater intraluminal narrowing. Proteus mirabilis and Campylobacter ureolyticus were more abundant. Most blockages occurred at the catheter tip (81.0%), with struvite as the predominant material (71.4%). Microbiota varied by material composition.

CONCLUSION

Catheter blockage occurred in 29.9% of patients, mainly at the catheter tip and associated with struvite. Microbiota differed by blockage status and material composition.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Objective identification of catheter blockage supports early detection and targeted management and provides a basis for research on mechanisms. These findings provide a foundation for future research to develop and evaluate evidence-based nursing interventions for preventing catheter blockage in older adults.

IMPACT: This study addressed the lack of objective criteria and limited understanding of catheter blockage. It showed that about 30% of patients experienced blockage and identified distinct microbiota and material characteristics. These findings may improve catheter management and support future research on mechanisms and prevention.

REPORTING METHOD: STROBE checklist.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients contributed to data collection by providing information on symptoms related to catheter blockage through structured assessments, while nurses during the study period facilitated data collection and conducted clinical assessments.