A prospective comparative study to analyse the cause of urinary tract infection in different working women and to suggest conducive measures to lower their incidence

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the commonest causes of abdominal pain in gynecology as well as surgical outpatient departments (OPDs). Untreated UTIs are a major threat to the quality of life of people thereby necessitating its early diagnosis and treatment. Women are particularly at risk of developing UTIs because of their short urethra, and certain behavioural factors which include poor fluid consumption and delayed voiding habits of life. Additionally, the complete treatment of this condition adds to the consumption of antibiotics, their adverse reactions and resistance, if patient falters.

Methods: We conducted a population based, prospective cross-sectional, comparative study between 268 working women of reproductive age group, barring extremes of age. Group A comprised of 125 school teachers, from secondary, higher secondary schools and special schools in Navi Mumbai whereas group B comprised of women working in hospitals. A consent was obtained prior to filling the 5-point questionnaire.

Results: The knowledge and habits in working women were studied and their analysis suggested that decreased water intake as workplace, due to paucity of time to regularly urinate were predominant risk factors for urinary infections.

Conclusions: In an attempt to reduce the morbidity associated with infections of genitourinary system, as well as the adverse reactions due to the drugs, the risks associated with non-compliance as well as decreasing institute’s potential due to manpower absenteeism, we need to come out with manageable policy towards making workplace “voiding friendly”.