FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED CASES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AGED 18-45 YEARS IN KACHUMBALA HEALTH CENTRE III, BUKEDEA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background.

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors contributing to the increased prevalence of urinary tract infections among pregnant mothers aged 18-45 years in Kachumbala Health Center III, Bukedea district.

 Methodology.

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design with a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected from 50 sampled respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions, analysis was done, and results were presented in tables and figures, and then interpreted.

 Results.

 From the study, about (58%) of the respondents were aged between 25-34 years of age, of that (76%) of were Itesotswith close to (78%) of the respondents being peasants’ farmers, and at least (42%) of them had attained a primary level of education. It was also noticed that (86%) of the respondents don’t void before or after sex, while (68%) of the respondents reported that they changed their undergarments only once a day. Most of the respondents (78%) had unstable income, and 54% of the respondents reported that they had more than two sexual partners. Herbal medicine use during pregnancy was reported to be at 24%, and nearly 54% of the respondents had ever used public toilets during pregnancy. (18%) Of the respondents reported having used indwelling catheters during pregnancy, and 72% of the respondents reported that they did not receive appropriate treatment for their UTI.

 Conclusion.

The researcher generally cited that the use of public toilets, multiple sexual partners, low level of income, and lack of adequate treatment were some of the most common causes of increased cases of UTIs during pregnancy.

 Recommendation.

The MOH should equip the health facilities with screening equipment for UTIs for regular screening of pregnant women in all their antenatal care visits to reduce the cases of UTIs.