Factors Associated With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Among Females Of Reproductive Age At Kisugu Health Centre III, Uganda

Abstract

Women of reproductive age in Uganda still suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a major public health problem. The assessment of factors associated with recurrent UTIs among females aged 15 – 49 years attending Kisugu Health Centre III, Kampala. A cross-sectional study conducted on 144 randomly selected samples with the help of an interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of recurrent UTI. The analysis of data was done in SPSS version 21. For the association, chi-square was applied at p<0.05. Of participants 36.8% had recurrent UTIs. Most of the respondents admitted that UTIs can recur, but only 53.5% showed good overall knowledge which was significantly associated with recurrence (p=0.049). The improper technique of wiping, high level of coitus, poor medication adherence and co-existing disease conditions like diabetes. Although individuals generally opted to seek health care, difficulty in getting the support they needed was a barrier they faced due to embarrassment. According to this study, strengthening preventive measures and providing enhanced counselling and targeted health education will help reduce recurrent UTIs in females.