ABSTRACT

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections affecting pregnant women worldwide and is associated with serious complications such as preterm labour, low birth weight, and maternal morbidity when not properly managed. In developing countries like Cameroon, the burden of UTI remains high due to poor hygiene practices, inadequate health education, and limited access to quality antenatal care. Despite the availability of antenatal services, many pregnant women still lack adequate knowledge and fail to adopt effective preventive measures, thereby increasing their risk of infection.

Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women on the prevention of urinary tract infection during pregnancy at Gilead Hospital, Carrefour Obili, Yaoundé.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for this research. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, and results were presented in tables and charts.

Results: The findings revealed that 62% of respondents had good knowledge of UTI prevention, while 38% had poor knowledge. A majority (70%) of the participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward UTI prevention, whereas 30% had negative or indifferent attitudes. However, only 55% of the respondents practised adequate preventive measures, while 45% demonstrated poor practices. The study also identified gaps between knowledge and actual practice, influenced by factors such as limited resources, misconceptions, and inconsistent antenatal attendance.

Conclusion: The study concluded that although pregnant women demonstrated moderate knowledge and positive attitude toward UTI prevention, their preventive practice were inadequate. There is a need for strengthened health education, improved access to hygiene facilities, and continuous antenatal counselling to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice and reduce the incidence of UTIs during pregnancy.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection, pregnancy, knowledge, attitude, practice, prevention, antenatal care, maternal health.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections affecting women worldwide, particularly during pregnancy. It occurs when bacteria invade any part of the urinary system, such as the bladder or kidneys, causing discomfort and potential complications. Pregnancy increases a woman’s vulnerability to UTI due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus, which compresses the bladder and reduces urinary flow, thereby encouraging bacterial growth (Aleinein & Sokhn, 2024). Globally, UTIs remain a significant maternal health concern, as they are associated with increased risks of preterm labour, low birth weight, and maternal morbidity when not properly treated (Ezo et al., 2024). A study conducted in Lebanon revealed that more than one-third of pregnant women experienced UTIs during pregnancy, and a low level of awareness about preventive measures was a major contributing factor (Aleinein & Sokhn, 2024). Similarly, Navarro et al. (2019) found that pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward infection prevention directly influence the occurrence of UTIs, emphasising the global importance of health education in preventing infection-related complications.

In Africa, UTIs continue to be among the most frequently reported infections during pregnancy. Several studies have attributed the high prevalence to inadequate hygiene, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water and healthcare facilities (Esan et al., 2023; Ochei et al., n.d.). A recent study in Nigeria reported that poor awareness and hygiene practices among antenatal mothers were strongly associated with high UTI prevalence (Esan et al., 2023). Likewise, in Ethiopia, Ezo et al. (2024) found that women who had insufficient knowledge of preventive practices were at a greater risk of developing UTIs during pregnancy. Sociocultural factors, such as delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour, self-medication, and limited health education during antenatal visits, further contribute to the persistent burden of UTIs in sub-Saharan Africa (Santoso et al., 2018).

In Cameroon, urinary tract infections remain a common and significant public health problem among pregnant women. Studies have reported prevalence rates ranging from 20% to 35% in various regions, reflecting a major maternal health challenge (Ngong et al., 2021; Ch et al., 2020). The major risk factors identified include poor perineal hygiene, limited awareness about infection prevention, and restricted access to healthcare services (Ch et al., 2020). Ngong et al. (2021) observed that many pregnant women in the Buea Health District lacked adequate knowledge regarding UTI prevention and often relied on self-medication rather than seeking timely medical care. Similarly, Ch et al. (2020) emphasised that despite improvements in antenatal coverage, gaps in education and preventive practices remain significant contributors to the continued high prevalence of UTIs in pregnant women.

Despite the availability of antenatal services in Yaoundé, recurrent UTI cases are still being reported among expectant mothers at Gilead Hospital, Carrefour Obili, Yaoundé. Limited knowledge, poor hygiene habits, and misconceptions about infection prevention may contribute to the persistence of these infections. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding UTI prevention is therefore essential. Such understanding can guide health practitioners and policymakers in designing effective health education and prevention programs aimed at reducing UTI-related complications and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

• Statement of the Problem

UTI is one of the most common infections affecting pregnant women across the world. During pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes make women more vulnerable to infections. If left untreated, UTIs can cause serious complications such as preterm labour, low birth weight, and kidney infections, which threaten both the mother and the unborn baby (Esan et al., 2023).

In Cameroon, urinary tract infections remain a major public health concern among expectant mothers. Recent studies show that between 23% and 35% of pregnant women suffer from UTIs during pregnancy (Ch et al., 2020). The main reasons include poor hygiene practices, limited health education, and inadequate access to quality antenatal care. Many pregnant women do not recognise the signs and symptoms early enough and often depend on self-medication, which worsens the situation.

At Gilead Hospital, Carrefour Obili, Yaoundé health workers have continued to record cases of urinary tract infections among pregnant women during antenatal visits. However, there is little evidence showing what pregnant women actually know about the infection, their attitudes toward its prevention, and the hygiene practices they use to avoid it. Without this information, it is difficult to design effective education and prevention programs. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women on the prevention of urinary tract infection during pregnancy at Gilead at Carrefour Obili, Yaoundé.

• Objectives of the Study
  • General Objective

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women on the prevention of UTI during pregnancy, Gilead Hospital Carrefour Obili, Yaoundé.

• Specific Objectives

1. To determine the knowledge of pregnant women on the prevention of UTI during pregnancy
2. To assess the attitudes of pregnant women toward UTI prevention during pregnancy.
3. To evaluate the preventive practices adopted by pregnant women against UTI during pregnancy.

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