Factors associated with urinary tract infection among pregnant women attending Kampala International University teaching hospital, Ishaka-Bushenyi

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent bacterial infections in humans. The burden of UTIs amongst pregnant women is well documented in literature. A cross-sectional descriptive study was done in which 294 pregnant women attending ANC at Kampala International University teaching hospital (KIU-TH) were recruited for the study. A guided interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire to obtain socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrical and medical factors associated with UTI in pregnancy. The prevalence of UTI among pregnant mothers was high at 42.9%. Age of 25 to 35yeas, (at P-value of 0.037), being prime gravid, (at P-value of 0.018), and previous UTI history (at P-value 0.001), were significantly associated with UTI in pregnancy, while a tertiary level of education was a protective factor, (P-value 0.018). Maternal occupation, (P-value of 0.441), and diabetes mellitus, (P-value of 0.492), were not significant factors. There was a higher prevalence of UTI in pregnancy, and therefore the study recommends that mothers should be encouraged to attend early ANC so that they can be screened and treated for UTI if necessary. Mothers should be health educated on measures to prevent UTI in pregnancy. Keywords: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Pregnancy, Prevalence, Risk factors, Antenatal care (ANC)