Global sensitivity analysis of catheter-associated urinary tract infection models using the eFAST method

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, posing a significant challenge in clinical settings. This study develops a mathematical model that incorporates bacterial contamination to investigate the transmission dynamics of CAUTI. We derive the disease-free and endemic equilibria and compute the basic reproduction number, R 0 , using the next generation matrix method. The model’s well-posedness is examined through the existence and uniqueness of solutions, and the long-term behavior is analyzed to determine the stability of the equilibria. To assess the relative importance of the model parameters, we conduct a global sensitivity analysis using the extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (eFAST) method. The results identify the catheterization rate ( ω ), catheter removal rate ( δ ), and transmission coefficients ( ϕ , β 1 , β 2 ) as the most influential parameters affecting infection dynamics. These findings highlight key intervention targets for controlling CAUTI. The model also serves as a foundation for future extensions, including the incorporation of asymptomatic carriers and environmental sanitation interventions.