Incidence of Urinary Tract Infection Among Pregnant Women and its Risk Factors in the Municipality of Baao, Camarines Sur: A Hidden Danger Lurking in Pregnancy

Abstract

This case presentation investigates the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among pregnant women in the Municipality of Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines, from February 2022 to November 2023. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common concern among pregnant women globally, with up to 15\% affected during pregnancy. UTIs, even without symptoms, are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal death. With that, this research was conducted to understand the incidence of UTIs, develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment, and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. In this paper, 497 women were tested for urine analysis, of which 242 were pregnant. The data collection process involved reviewing Individual Treatment Records, Laboratory Records, and Logbooks from the Rural Health Unit of Baao. The incidence of UTIs among pregnant women was found to be 45\%. The most common risk factors for UTIs were a history of UTIs, diabetes mellitus, and multiple sexual partners. The clinical presentation of UTIs included symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, and hematuria. Based on the study's findings, raising awareness among pregnant women about the importance of regular prenatal care is recommended to reduce the incidence of UTIs. There should be an emphasis on implementing tailored educational programs that provide comprehensive information about hygiene practices, including proper sanitation and personal hygiene, to pregnant women with lower educational attainment. Healthcare providers should also integrate routine UTI screenings into prenatal care packages, emphasizing the second trimester, as this is the most susceptible period to UTIs due to hormonal changes and anatomical adaptations in the urinary system. Furthermore, healthcare providers should tailor their approaches for older pregnant women (age 20 and above) by educating them about the increased risk of UTIs and the importance of proactive preventive measures. Lastly, interventions should be designed to specifically target women with multiple pregnancies by providing them with the necessary support and resources, such as organizing support groups or educational sessions, to address the unique challenges they face, including the increased risk of UTIs. Conclusively, this study contributes to understanding UTIs among pregnant women and provides implications and recommendations for better maternal and neonatal health in the Municipality of Baao and beyond.