Risk factors of urinary tract infection in children In Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is common in children with a great burden of morbidities. Many factors such as age, gender, race, chronic constipation and circumcision status are believed to increase the risk of recurrent UTI in children.

Objectives: To study the pattern of risk factors of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)  in Sudanese children aged 2-12year in Khartoum state.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Study population composed of 136 children aged 2-12 years with history of UTI attended to teaching hospitals in Khartoum state. Data was collected by the researcher using an interview questionnaire.

Results: In 136 children diagnosed with UTI, 89(65.4%) were above 5 years of age and the majority were females 75(55.1%).  For the majority of the children the source of water was pipe line, 120(88.2%) and 16(11.8%) by carts, and majority 134(98.5%) drink non boiled water. The source of waste disposal in 88(64.7%) was pit latrine and 48(35.3%) used flushing toilet. Un circumcision was more prevalent among 37 (60.7%) male children with UTI. History of chronic constipation was reported in 2.9% of the children. The commonest presentations of UTI were fever 118(86.8%) and painful micturition 115(84.6%)

The common risk factors for UTI were neurological disease (neurogenic bladder) 11% and nephrotic syndrome treated with steroid therapy 16(11.3%) .  Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated pathogen in 57.4% , Klebsiella in 18.4% and Pseudomonas in 11.8%.

Conclusions: The risk factors of UTI varies depending on socioeconomic state and cultural habits.