Urinary tract infection (UTI) is defined as the presence of microbial pathogens in the urinary tract and 
women of the reproductive age group (15-44 years) are the most vulnerable population. UTIs are one of the most 
common bacterial infections seen in primary care. This study aims to estimate the prevalence rate of UTI among 
females of reproductive age group and to determine the association between socio demographic factors and 
prevalence of UTI

This is a cross sectional descriptive study carried out in the rural field practice area attached to a Medical 
college in Kancheepuram district. The study group were 250 women of reproductive age group (15-44 years). The 
data was collected using a structured interview schedule followed by collection of urine for microscopic examination 
and culture. Data was analysed using SPSS 15 software. Prevalence of UTI was calculated using percentages and 
strength of association was tested between socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence of UTI.

Prevalence of UTI among females of reproductive age group was found to be 20.4%. There was a strong 
statistical significant association between levels of education of the study subjects (Odds Ratio 18.11, p value <0.05), 
the socio economic status (Odds ratio 6.36, p value <0.05) and UTI

Untreated UTIs are a major threat to the quality of life of 
people. This necessitates the need for early diagnosis and 
treatment of UTI. This study aimed to find out the 
prevalence of UTI among the females of reproductive age 
group in the rural community. The results from this study 
give a new insight to the existing problem in identifying 
and managing UTIs at a very early stage.
In this study 44% females belonged to 15–24 years age 
group followed by 36% in 35-44 years age group and 
20% in 25-34 years age group. In this study, 64% of the 
females were Hindus. Nearly, 76% of the females were 
married. The distribution of socio demographic 
characteristics were found to be almost similar to the 
findings of other studies done elsewhere.26-28
The prevalence of UTI (symptomatic and asymptomatic 
bacteriuria) in the study population was found to be 
20.4%. In a study by Subhashini et al the prevalence of 
UTI was found to be 84%.27 In a study by Kolawole et al 
the prevalence of UTI was estimated to be 60% and in a 
study by Shaifali et al the prevalence was 44.53%.26,29

UTI is a serious public health problem if untreated. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment will prevent 
the chances of developing further complication of UTI and will help to reduce the sufferings of the patient, hospital 
stay and economic loss.

Delzell JE, Lefevre ML. Urinary tract infections  during pregnancy. Am Family Physician.
Medina-Bambardo D, Segui-Diaz M, Roca-Fusalba  C, Llobera J. The Dysuria Team. What is the  predictive value of urinary symptoms for diagnosing  urinary tract infection in women? J Family Pract.  2003;20:103–7.
Hooton TM, Scholes D, Hughes JP, Winter C,  Roberts PL, Stapleton AE, et al. A prospective study  of risk factors for symptomatic urinary tract  infection in young women. N E