ABSTRACT
Background Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnant women poses risks to maternal and neonatal health. Understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors is crucial for effective management. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ASB among pregnant women and identify associated risk factors. Methodology A cross-sectional study involving 294 pregnant women was conducted. ASB prevalence was determined, and bivariate analysis was performed to identify associated risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the significance of identified risk factors. Results The overall prevalence of ASB was 17.34%. Bivariate analysis revealed associations between ASB and maternal age (p > 0.05), socioeconomic status (p < 0.001), previous urinary tract infection (UTI) history (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.00204), and anemia (p = 0.522). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed significant associations of ASB with maternal age (p = 0.008), parity (p = 0.001), previous UTI (p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of screening for ASB during prenatal care, particularly among pregnant women with advanced maternal age, higher parity, previous urinary tract infection (UTI) history, and diabetes mellitus. Tailored screening strategies and prompt treatment can mitigate the risks associated with untreated ASB, improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Healthcare providers should integrate these findings into routine antenatal care protocols to optimize maternal and fetal health.
