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Article Type

Article

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common infection in women and frequently recur in young hostel-dwelling females. This study aims to estimate the Proportion of UTI and identify associated behavioural and hygiene-related risk factors among female medical students aged 17–25 years. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from August to October 2024 at Dr. Somervell Memorial C.S.I. Medical College, Karakonam. Sample size of 139 was calculated using Proportion of 40.8% with 8% precision. All eligible female students were included after written informed consent. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26; χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test were applied (p < 0.05 significant). Results: Lifetime Proportion of UTI was 41.7% (58/139) and one-year Proportion was 28.1% (39/139). Burning micturition (68.9%), lower abdominal pain (55.2%), and urgency (46.6%) were the most common symptoms. Significant risk factors were: changing undergarments less than once daily (p = 0.024), holding urine for prolonged periods (p = 0.047), occurrence predominantly in summer (p < 0.001), and adoption of preventive lifestyle changes after previous UTI (p = 0.022). Conclusion: More than two-fifths of female medical students experienced UTI. Modifiable risk factors related to voiding behaviour and genital hygiene were identified. Targeted interventions in medical colleges are recommended.

Keywords

Urinary tract infection, Medical students, Hostel, Genital hygiene, Urine holding behaviour, Kerala

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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