Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection and Anemia and Their Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and anemia are significant disorders that occur during pregnancy, potentially leading to severe complications. Objectives: This study explored the prevalence of urinary tract infections and anemia, along with their associated factors, among pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 700 pregnant women attending clinics in Khash, Iran, in 2022. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on the socio-demographic and clinical factors of these women. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test in SPSS software, version 22. Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The prevalence rates of anemia and urinary tract infections were 63.6% (95% CI: 59.8 - 67.1) and 49% (95% CI: 45.2 - 52.7), respectively. Significant associations were observed between anemia and the number of medical care visits, smoking status, the use of iron and folic acid supplements, history of abortion, and thalassemia (P-value < 0.05). Additionally, income level, previous history of urinary tract infections, education level, and syphilis were significantly associated with UTIs among pregnant women (P-value < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence rates of anemia and UTIs among pregnant women are high. Consequently, standard antenatal care services, as recommended for the early identification of risk factors, should be emphasized by the Ministry of Health and its stakeholders to mitigate the high prevalence of anemia and UTIs during pregnancy and their associated complications.