Voters Support UTI Investment and Research
By Marcela Mulholland and Devi Ruia
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the urinary system — which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. UTIs disproportionately occur in women, and while they are common and usually treatable with antibiotics, they can also be incredibly painful and inconvenient. Despite the prevalence of UTIs, there are limited treatment and pain management options available, especially for those who experience recurring UTIs.
A new Data for Progress survey asked voters about their experiences with UTIs and their opinions on federal investments for UTI treatment affordability and prevention. We find that voters overwhelmingly support federal investments into UTI treatments and research.
First, we asked voters if they or someone they know has ever experienced a urinary tract infection. A majority of voters (61 percent) say that they have had or know someone who has had a UTI. Unsurprisingly, as UTIs are more common in women, a majority of female voters (78 percent) say that they have had or know someone who has had a UTI, while only 42 percent of male voters say the same.
When asked if they would support or oppose federal investments to make treatments for UTIs more accessible and affordable, voters say that they would support this by a +67-point margin. This includes women by a +69-point margin and men by a +66-point margin.
Additionally, voters support federal investments to advance research and development into urinary tract infection treatments and prevention by a +59-point margin. This includes women by a +57-point margin and men by a +61-point margin.
We also find that voters would be more likely to support political candidates who commit to making treatments for UTIs more affordable and accessible by a +45-point margin. This includes women by a +49-point margin and men by a +40-point margin. It also includes Democrats by a +62-point margin, Independents by a +41-point margin, and Republicans by a +31-point margin.
It’s clear that voters strongly support investments toward more research and development into urinary tract infection treatments and prevention. Additionally, voters overwhelmingly support federal investments to make treatments for UTIs more accessible and affordable — so much so that they’re more likely to support candidates who commit to doing so. It’s long past time that our government take seriously medical conditions that disproportionately affect women and make investments toward a UTI-free future.
In loving memory of Frida Mulholland, who endured many UTIs in her life.
Marcela Mulholland (@MarcelaMulh) is the Political Director at Data for Progress.
Devi Ruia (@DeviRuia) is the Deputy Press Secretary at Data for Progress.