ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Complementary and Natural Therapies for Urinary Tract Infections UTIs: Knowledge and Practices in Jordan
 
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1
Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
 
2
School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
 
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Department of pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
 
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Pharmacy Department, Alsalam Al-Assima Hospital, Alsalam Hospitals, Kuwait
 
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Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman-Jordan
 
 
Submission date: 2025-08-09
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-01-23
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-01-25
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-03-03
 
 
Corresponding author
Manal A. Ayyash   

Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
 
 
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent health issue, particularly among women, and are commonly treated with antibiotics. However, increasing antimicrobial resistance has led to growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a non-antibiotic approach to UTI prevention and management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of Jordanian adults regarding the use of CAM therapies, including herbal remedies and natural products, for the prevention and treatment of UTIs. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, awareness of UTI risk factors, sources of CAM information, and perceptions toward CAM use. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. A total of 429 participants completed the survey. Nearly half had a medical-related background, and 46.9% reported a personal or familial history of UTIs. While 54.3% preferred antibiotics for treatment, 42.7% used herbal remedies such as parsley and green tea. Awareness of key risk factors like low water intake (87.9%) and urine retention (90.2%) was high, but knowledge gaps persisted regarding hormonal and behavioral risk factors. Participants with medical education had significantly higher awareness scores (p < 0.001). Most participants perceived CAM as a culturally accepted practice. CAM therapies are widely used and culturally accepted in Jordan for UTI management. However, public education and professional guidance are essential to ensure their safe use.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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