Factors Associated with Urinary Tract Infection Among Students Aged 20-25 Years at Bugema University Health Centre III, Luweero District.

Abstract:

Introduction: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections among people and the most common disease of the urinary tract in women of all ages. At Bugema University Health Centre III, UTIs are a common reason for students seeking medical attention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the investigate the factors associated with urinary tract infection among students aged 20-25 years at Bugema University Health Centre III, Luweero District. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing quantitative data collection. A questionnaire was administered to 36 students selected via simple random sampling. Data were manually entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016, and presented using descriptive statistics in the form of tables and figures. Results: The study revealed significant behavioral and environmental factors. Key individual factors included: infrequent genital cleaning (52.8% reported once-daily cleaning), inadequate water intake (44.4% consumed less than 4 glasses per day), and delaying urination after an urge (63.9%). Regarding recent sexual activity, 36.1% reported intercourse within the past week. Environmental factors at the school included: predominant use of seater toilets (75%), lack of student orientation on toilet use (72.2%), perceived poor washroom cleanliness (44.4%), and inadequate access to drinking water facilities (66.7%) Conclusion: The study concluded that poor personal hygienic practices, inadequate water intake, and insufficient school water facilities were significantly associated with UTIs in this student population. It is recommended that students adopt improved hygienic practices and increase their water consumption. Furthermore, the university should provide more clean water sources and improve washroom maintenance and student orientation.