Factors Associated with Urinary Tract Infections among Women Aged 18 – 59 Years in Consolata Mission Hospital, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition in which bacteria invade and grow in the human urinary tract. UTIs generally happen when microscopic organisms enter the urinary lot through the urethra and start to spread in the bladder. The microbes may then grab hold and develop into an all-out contamination in the urinary tract. Because their urethra is closer to the anus and their urethral opening is closer to the bladder, women typically have a more at risk of acquiring a urinary tract infection (UTI) than males. The aim of the study was to assess factors contributing to urinary tract infections among women between 18 to 59 years at Consolata Mission hospital, Nyeri County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study was used. The target population was 171 women attending Consolata Mission hospital where systematic sampling was used. Data was collected using questionnaires. Chi-square test statistics was used to determine associations. The study revealed majority of the respondents were married (51.8%) and 85.6% of the respondents were Christians. Vast majority of the respondents had adequate education and also 70.7% had some form of employment. 83.8% of the women were knowledgeable on what UTIs are according to the study. The bulk of the women (75.6%) were familiar with how UTIs are treated, 84.4% knew the signs and symptoms and an additional 76.9% are conversant with how they are prevented. Cross-tabulation of the data using Chi-square statistics revealed there was no association between the independent and dependent variables. In conclusion, though socio-demographic factors such as age, marital status, religion, occupation, level of education and residence did not show any association with urinary tract infection, nonetheless these factors play a crucial role in a person’s health status.