Assessing the prevalence of, and the factors contributing to the recurrence of urinary tract infections among Makerere University undergraduate students

Abstract

Background. Urinary Tract Infections pose a significant public health problem globally, affecting men and women disproportionately and contributing to heavy healthcare costs. In resource-limited settings and public institutions such as Makerere University, young people are at heightened risk due to a number of factors. Recurrence of UTIs is of major concern and has important psychological, socioeconomic, and academic implications in the lives of undergraduate students. Objectives. The study sought to assess the prevalence of recurrence and understand the factors contributing to the recurrence of urinary tract infections among undergraduate students at Makerere University Justification This study sought to provide actionable insights that could improve students’ health and reduce the academic and financial burden associated with repeated infections. Findings from this study could contribute to the development of targeted interventions and inform policy which may have broader applications across other Ugandan universities and nationally. Methods. Data was collected using questionnaires administered physically to Makerere university undergraduate students. The target population was 400 respondents which was obtained using the Yamane formula of estimation. The study design was a mixed methods cross- sectional study collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The study employed simple random sampling for the quantitative component and purposive sampling for the qualitative data. The data was analyzed using STATA software, descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics and UTI recurrence while inferential methods such as Chi squared tests and logistic regression identified associations between variables. Results The study found that 30% of the participants experienced recurrent UTIs within the past six months. Gender emerged as a statistically significant factor (p = 0.0108), with females reporting more cases of UTI recurrence (64 out of 284) compared to males (56 out of 116). Behavioral factors, such as sexual activity, hydration levels, and personal hygiene practices, were significantly associated with UTI recurrence. 73.26%of the students engaged in sexual activity, a known risk factor for UTIs. Additionally, 94%practiced good toilet hygiene, but 6% did not and subsequently had higher recurrence rates, highlighting the importance of hygiene education. The study found that 16% of the students had used a urinary catheter in the past year, and 5% had chronic conditions, both of which were associated with higher UTI recurrence. Conclusions The findings of this study were largely consistent with existing literature on UTIs and their recurrence. For instance, the higher prevalence of UTIs among female students aligned with global trends. Additionally, the significance of behavioral factors, such as sexual activity and hydration levels, is well-documented in the literature (Foxman, 2002). However, the study also identified unique challenges faced by university students in low resource settings, such as overcrowded living conditions and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Recommendations Implement targeted educational campaigns to improve students' knowledge and awareness of UTIs, their risk factors, and preventive measures. Provide regular hygiene education sessions, focusing on proper toilet use, hand washing, and the importance of clean water and sanitation. Improved Sanitation Facilities: Invest in improving sanitation facilities on campus, ensuring access to clean water, functional toilets, and hygiene supplies. Enhance access to healthcare services, including on-campus clinics and affordable medical care. This can encourage students to seek timely medical attention for UTIs