RESUMO
Background: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). The most common cause of UTIs is the transfer of bacteria from the rectum or vagina to the urethra. Around 80 percent are caused by E. coli bacteria commonly found in the gut or feces. Others, like Staphylococcus saprophyticus, are naturally found in the vagina and can be transferred to the urethra. The aim of the study: The study objectives were to assess the knowledge of adolescent girls regarding urinary tract infection and determine the association between knowledge regarding urinary tract infection and selected demographic variables. Materials and methods: This observational study was done in 2017-2018 at Department of Urogynecology, Institute Of Social Obstetrics, Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, Chennai. 200 female adolescents were included in the study. BMI was calculated from height and weight. Height, weight, and BMI were considered for assessing malnutrition in adolescent girls. Urine samples were collected from 23 girls for microscopic examination for pus cells. The faculty members followed the investigators and guided them during the survey. The survey was completed within two days. Any girl complaining of three criteria of the case definition of UTI viz: increased frequency of micturition with; burning during micturition and pus cells in the urine were considered as a case of UTI for the purpose of the study. Results: There was a significant association between prevalence of UTI and improper perineal washing technique (CI = 95%, p< 0.001), malnutrition (CI = 95%, p< 0.001), presence of vaginal discharge (CI = 95%, p< 0.001) and use of unsanitary pads during menses (CI = 95%, p< 0.001). T. Srikala Prasad, Jessima Subahani. Prevalence of urinary tract infection among school going adolescent girls in rural part of Chennai. IAIM, 2019; 6(3): 278-282. Page 279 Misconception included not taking bath during periods and not eating certain foods. Low socioeconomic status was chiefly responsible for frequent use of the same piece of cloth as sanitary pads during menstrual bleeding leading to urinary tract infection. UTI was more (7.7%) in malnourished girls than in those with normal nutritional status. Significantly more (7.7%) girls having symptoms of vaginal discharge were suffering from a urinary infection. Conclusion: For the short term, the need is to give immediate health education about the causes, prevention, and treatment of UTI among adolescent girls of both the villages and treatment of the identified cases with the urinary antibiotics etc. Long term measures include a periodical screening of the adolescent girls for UTI.