PREVALENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG MEDICALAND NONMEDICAL STUDENTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Objective: To compare the prevalence and severity of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in medical and non-medical university students using a validated symptom scoring tool (UTI-SIQ-8) and identify associated risk factors. Design & Setting: A two-month cross-sectional observational study at a university campus with medical and non-medical faculties. Participants: 500 students (250 medical, 250 non-medical), aged 18–26 years.Main Outcomes: Prevalence of UTI symptoms, UTI-SIQ-8 severity scores, and risk factors such as gender, hygiene, and sexual activity. Results: UTI prevalence was 15%. Medical students showed higher prevalence (18%) compared to non-medical students (12%; p=0.04). Female gender (23.3%) had significantly more UTI symptoms than males (2.5%). UTI-SIQ-8 scores were higher among medical students (mean 14.2 ± 5.3) than non-medical students (11.1 ± 4.7). Independent risk factors were female gender (OR 3.45), recent sexual activity (OR 2.56), and past UTI history (OR 5.58). Conclusion: Medical students had significantly higher UTI prevalence and symptom severity. Screening and prevention programs are needed for high-risk groups, especially young adult females in academic environments.