Prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant women at Sohag University Hospital

Abstract

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections that affect pregnant women, which if left untreated can lead to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Aim The study aimed to assess the prevalence of UTIs among pregnant women. Participants and methods A descriptive/exploratory design was adopted. The study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Sohag University Hospital. A convenience sample of 440 pregnant women, irrespective of age, parity, or gestational age, was recruited for the study. Three tools were used to collect data: first, structured interviewing schedule; second, UTI symptomatology tool; and third, laboratory investigation record. The research investigator developed the structured interviewing schedule and UTI symptomatology tool. Results The study results indicated that the mean age of the pregnant women was 22.8±6.2 years. Overall, 37.3% of the pregnant women had secondary education, 75.7% were living in rural area, and 87.3% were housewives. Moreover, 46.3% of the pregnant women were multigravida, whereas 51.6% of them were multiparous. The prevalence of UTIs among the pregnant women was 42.3%. The types of UTIs isolated were symptomatic UTI diagnosed in 59% and asymptomatic UTI was identified in 41% among pregnant women who had UTIs. The prevalence of symptomatic UTIs and asymptomatic UTI among the total pregnant women was 25 and 17.3%, respectively. Synthetic underwear, decreasing fluid intake, multigravidity, occupation, and educational level were risk factors that might affect the incidence of UTIs. Conclusion The prevalence of UTIs among pregnant women was high. Overall, 41% of pregnant women who had UTIs were asymptomatic. Synthetic underwear, decreasing fluid intake, multigravidity, occupation, and educational level were risk factors that might affect the incidence of UTIs. Recommendation It is important to do routine urine analysis for all pregnant women on every visit.