Prevalence of recurrent urinary tract infections and its associated factors in female staff of reproductive age group in a medical college in central Kerala: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Aim: To study the prevalence of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and its associated factors in female staff of reproductive age group in a medical college in central Kerala.

Introduction: Recurrent UTIs can be defined as ≥ 3 episodes of UTIs within a period of 12 months. Females with recurrent UTIs have lower health-related quality of life compared to the general population; the incidence of UTI in women of reproductive age group is very common. This study focused on female employees of reproductive age group in a private medical college.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among female staff of reproductive age group in a private medical college in central Kerala, with a sample size of 417. All female staff (18-49 years) were given a questionnaire and asked to fill it out. All those who filled out the questionnaire were included in the study according to both inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data entry and analysis were performed via Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS version 22.0.

Result: Our study of 417 participants revealed a prevalence of recurrent UTIs of 22.30% (95% CI = 18.3- 26.3%). Recurrent UTI was significantly associated with daily water intake, urination frequency, holding urine, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, constipation, pre-coital urination, and pre- and post-intercourse vaginal hygiene. Also, occupation was found to be significantly associated with recurrent UTI, with cleaning staff having higher odds.

Conclusion: Our study found the prevalence of recurrent UTI in 417 population as 22.30%. Prevention of recurrent UTI requires a daily intake of > 2 L of water and personal & sexual hygiene. Reducing recurrent UTIs enhances quality of life. Educating female staff is crucial.