Empirical Prescription in the Treatment of Utis in the City of Imperatriz-MA: An Evaluation of Adequacy

Objective: To evaluate the adequacy of empirical prescriptions for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the city of Imperatriz-MA, based on the analysis of the approaches adopted by physicians practicing in the region. Theoretical Framework: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in clinical practice, predominantly of bacterial etiology, and can be classified according to anatomical location. The treatment of UTIs is mostly initiated empirically, based on the clinical presentation and prior knowledge of the local microbiological profile. Inadequate approaches may result in therapeutic failure, prolonged symptoms, increased risk of complications, and the development of resistant strains. Method: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study conducted in the municipality of Imperatriz-MA, between March and August 2025. The target population consisted of physicians working in both public and private healthcare sectors, covering various specialties with the potential to prescribe treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The sample size was defined by convenience, totaling 44 participating physicians. The questionnaire was administered in person during visits to healthcare units and electronically through a digital form. Results and Discussion: The study was able to demonstrate that, in the municipality of Imperatriz-MA, the antimicrobials indicated by physicians as first-line treatment for UTIs are consistent with current literature. However, studies on the prevalence and sensitivity profiles of microorganisms in this region are necessary to determine the effectiveness of these therapeutic regimens and their suitability to the specific characteristics of the isolated pathogens.