FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING KALAGALA HEALTH CENTRE IV, LUWERO DISTRICT, UGANDA

Background: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most widespread and costly medical issues experienced during pregnancy globally. They occur in about 20% of all pregnancies. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with urinary tract infections among pregnant women attending Kalagala Health Centre IV, Luwero District, in order to make recommendations to improve obstetric practice in the district and the country at large.

Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design with quantitative approaches. The study sample size was 190 respondents, and the consecutive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A questionnaire was used to collect the data.

Results: The study found that the prevalence of UTIs among pregnant women was high (74.7%). The multivariate analysis showed the following characteristics: higher education levels, using underwear made of synthetic material, having a history of catheterisation and being diagnosed with diabetes mellitus significantly increased the likelihood of occurrence of UTIs among the pregnant women. However, practising good genital hygiene significantly decreased the likelihood of occurrence of UTIs among pregnant women. In conclusion, the importance of targeted educational and preventive measures in antenatal care settings to reduce the risk of UTIs among pregnant women. It is therefore strongly recommended that policy and practice interventions should focus on improving genital hygiene practices, using appropriate underwear materials, and providing special care for women with a history of catheterisation or diabetes.