P-09 Sexual practices, Hygiene and Associated Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections among Pregnant Women at the Linden Hospital Complex, Guyana.
Author(s):
C Abrams, K Hohenkirk, J Hatton, A. Hutson, E Tyrell,
Year of Presentation:
2024
Objective: To determine the associated risk factors for urinary tract infections among pregnant women
Methods: The study is a cross-sectional design, that surveyed 39 pregnant women with urinary tract infection admitted at the linden hospital complex between June 1, 2019 to July 15, 2019. Information regarding sexual practices, hygiene and associated risk factors were collected via questionnaires. Data was entered into excel and Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: Sexually active pregnant women who have sexual intercourse more than once per week are at an elevated risk for UTIs (48.7%) compared to those who have sex one time a month (20%). Pregnant women who have oral sex and masturbate with saliva were found to have 28.2% and 15.4% respectively. One third of the pregnant women infected with UTIs practice douching of which 69% of them use water while 31% use commercial feminine washes. Pregnant women who wipe from back to front or in both directions after a bowel account for 46.2% of the cases of UTI. More than 80% of the UTI cases mostly wear synthetic underwear.
Conclusion: The findings were consistent with other studies. It is recommended that modified health promotion strategies be implemented nationwide to adequately educate pregnant women about the associated risk factors and prevention mechanisms to minimise the risk of urinary tract infection and its potential complication to both mother and unborn child.