Risk factors for genitourinary infections in pregnant women
Keywords:
coitus; female urogenital diseases; pregnancy; risk factors; urinary tract infectionsAbstract
Introduction: urinary tract infections are one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy and can have adverse maternal and fetal effects. Their occurrence is related to sociodemographic factors, hygiene practices, number of sexual partners, among others.
Objective: to describe the possible risk factors for urinary tract infections in pregnant women in their first trimester who were seen at the “Roger Osorio” Health Center in Managua, during August–December 2024.
Methodology: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with a sample of 74 pregnant women selected using non-probability convenience sampling. An ad hoc questionnaire was administered, and medical records were reviewed. Sociodemographic, gynecological, and obstetric variables, sexual practices, personal hygiene, and treatment received were analyzed. Research ethics principles were followed.
Results: the incidence of urinary tract infections was 56.80 % among the pregnant women. The majority of participants were between 20 and 25 years old, from urban areas, and had a secondary education. 71.00 % reported having had one or two sexual partners, and 58.10 % engaged in casual sex. 51.40 % received appropriate treatment. Regarding personal hygiene, 48.60 % practiced it regularly and 44.60 % always.
Conclusions: the results showed that the pregnant women in the study presented a high frequency of certain sociodemographic, clinical, and sexual behavior and hygiene variables that could constitute risk factors for urinary tract infections. Early identification of these factors is essential to prevent complications, improve clinical follow-up, and strengthen educational interventions during pregnancy.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Romycheyla de Jesús Quintanilla Ulloa, Karina del Socorro Merlo Hernández, Kelly Alicia Jaramillo Navarrete, Ixamara Junieth Matamoros Novoa
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