Socio-Demographic Determinants of Urinary Tract Infection and it’s Association with Preterm Birth

Abstract

Objective: To determine socio-demographic and other predictors of urinary tract infection in pregnancy and their association with preterm labour and delivery.

Methodology:  It was the cross-sectional study done in Gynae department of Rawal Institute of Health Sciences from 1st September 2023 till 30th September 2024. In this study 450 patients, fulfilling inclusion criteria, were included. All patients presenting from 24 till 36+6 weeks in labor or threatened preterm labor, with confirmed UTI as isolated risk factor, were enrolled.  Each confirmed case of UTI was treated in accordance with established medical guideline. Patients were followed till delivery. Data was evaluated using SPSS VS 25 and p value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results:  Total of 385 patients diagnosed with UTI, 300 cases ended up having preterm delivery. Majority cases were between 26-33 years of age 160(42%), uneducated 215(56%), resident of rural area 320 (83%), belonged to lower middle class 173(45%) and no- booked 288 (75%). Regarding obstetrics history majority 175 (45%), were P4 and above. Predominant pathogen of UTI was Ecoli in 78%. It is evident that females with associated risk factors of UTI such as parity 4 and above, uneducated, rural resident belonging to lower middle class, non-booked cases, recurrent UTI and anemic had preterm delivery with statistically significant p value <0.05.

Conclusion: Considering the strong link between urinary tract infection and preterm labor, early detection and management in high-risk population with UTI risk factors is vital to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords:  Preterm birth, Socioeconomic Factors, Urinary tract infection