Prevalence of urinary tract infections and risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in government primary health-care centers in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) has become the most common bacterial infection in humans, both at the community and hospital settings. It has been reported in all age groups and in both sexes. This is also a leading cause of Gram-negative sepsis in hospitalized patients. This study was carried out to identify and evaluate the associated risk factors of UTIs in relation to the sociodemographic characteristics among pregnant women in the study area. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June, 2018, on the urine of pregnant women, and the sociodemographic information of the women was collected. A total of 300 clean midstream urine samples were collected, and a general urine microscopic examination and culture were carried out. Results: Out of the 300 urine samples cultured, 183 (61.0%) yielded significant growth of urinary pathogens, whereas 117 (39.0%) yielded either insignificant growth or no growth of any urinary pathogen. Prevalence of UTI was statistically significantly associated with the type of toilet used, symptoms of UTI, and previous history of UTI (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study justifies that pregnant women are at high risk of UTI; therefore, screening of pregnant women during antenatal clinics should be considered very important to avoid complications. Health education with regular antenatal and personal hygiene is recommended as a precautionary measure to UTI.