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

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.