[Prevalence and risk factors of urinary tract infection in pregnant women]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent in pregnant women. There are associated risk factors that predispose the acquisition of a UTI in pregnancy, which can cause serious complications for mother and child.

To determine the prevalence of UTI and associated risk factors in pregnant women at the Hospital Básico de Sangolquí.

Observational, cross-sectional, analytical study conducted in 570 pregnant women from January 1 2021 to August 30 2022. The prevalence and risk factors associated with UTI were analyzed through 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and odds ratio (OR) calculation.

The global prevalence of UTI in pregnant women was 37.7% (IC 95% 33.7-41.7). The most frequent etiology was Escherichia coli (65.4%), followed by Staphylococcus spp. (21.8%). The age of pregnant women ranged from 12 to 45 years, with an average of 27.55 ± 7 years, out of which those with a previous history of UTI were at greater risk of presenting UTI (OR 4.05; 95% CI 2.65-6.18), followed by diabetes mellitus (OR 2.25; 95% CI 2.48-3.44), and overweight (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.05-2.10). Regarding gestational age, the third trimester was a protective factor for UTI (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.46-0.92]).

The prevalence of UTI for pregnant women was 37.7%. The most frequent etiology was Escherichia coli. A history of UTI prior to pregnancy was the main risk factor.