Title: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection among Pregnant Women in Ismailia City, Egypt
Abstract: Background: urinary tract infection (UTI) is a commonly encountered disease during pregnancy in Egypt that can result in critical and costly complications for both mother and fetus which urge the need for timely detection and prevention.The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of urinary tract infection among pregnant women in Ismailia city.Design: descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized.Setting: urban and rural primary health care (PHC) centers and private centers in Ismailia city.Sample: purposive sampling was used to enroll 330 pregnant women.Tools: structured interviewing questionnaire and investigation record for urine analysis and culture.Results: 29% of the studied women had urinary tract infection.Factors associated with UTI during pregnancy were previous UTI history; maternal anemia; unhealthy urination habits; increase of sexual intercourse frequency; poor hygienic practices; child spacing less than two years; inadequate socioeconomic conditions; suboptimal nutritional habits; constipation; and family history.Frequency of urination followed by burning urination, then supra-pubic pain were the common complaints.Conclusion: UTI was prevalent among studied pregnant women.Presence of history of previous UTI, family history, short pregnancy spacing, poor general and dietary health behaviors and inadequate socioeconomic conditions were significant predisposing factors.Recommendations: Providing a health educational program about preventive measures of UTI for pregnant women.Periodical screening to assure timely detection and proper treatment of infected pregnant women.