Factors associated with delay in treatment seeking for UTI cases among patients attending Makerere University Hospital in Uganda

Abstract

Background: According to the World Health Organization, UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) are the second most common type of infection worldwide and account for approximately 150 million clinical cases annually. 1n 2011, it was reported that 150 million people were diagnosed with a UTI annually. This has gradually increased to more than 404.6 million individuals in 2019 globally and nearly 236,786 people died of UTIs, contributing to 5.2 million DALYs. It is estimated that one in two women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime and that UTIs account for up to 20% of all outpatient visits to hospitals in developing countries. Specific factors related to UTI treatment delay therefore need to be understood. General Objective: The general objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with delay in seeking treatment for UTIs among patients attending Makerere University Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted involving collection of quantitative data using a questionnaire. The respondents were selected by a systemic random sampling method which looked at only patients of 12 years and above with confirmed UTI cases that had consented to participate in the study. The study included a total of 250 participants who sought treatment for UTIs at Makerere University Hospital. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis using IBM SPSS version 29 were used to analyze the data and determine the associations between various factors and treatment delay. Results: Among the 250 participants, the overall prevalence of delay in seeking treatment for UTIs was found to be 72.4%. Gender differences were observed, with males exhibiting a higher likelihood of delayed treatment seeking for UTIs compared to females. Age also played a role, with younger adults (20-30 years) demonstrating a higher likelihood of delay. Marital status, residence, religion, employment status, and education level did not show significant associations with treatment delay, except for marital status where married individuals had a lower likelihood of delay. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a significant proportion of patients at Makerere University Hospital delay seeking treatment for UTIs. Gender and age were identified as important factors associated with treatment delay, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to raise awareness among males and younger adults. These results have implications for healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of UTIs. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and explore additional factors that may influence treatment-seeking behaviors for UTIs in similar settings.