Frequency of Urinary Tract Infection in Patients Presenting with Preterm Labor
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i6.2460Keywords:
Preterm Labor, Pregnancy Complications, Rural Health, Urinary Tract Infection, Women’s HealthAbstract
Background: Preterm labor remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with infections such as urinary tract infection recognized as significant precipitating factors. Physiological changes in pregnancy predispose women to bacterial colonization, which may trigger uterine contractions and cervical ripening. Limited data are available on the burden of urinary tract infection among preterm labor cases in Abbottabad. Objective: To determine the frequency of urinary tract infection in patients presenting with preterm labour at Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methodology: A total of 127 pregnant women aged 18–40 years with singleton gestations below 37 completed weeks were enrolled. Urine samples were collected for microscopic and microbiological analysis, and urinary tract infection was diagnosed by pyuria or positive culture. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.32 years. Urinary tract infection was detected in 50 of 127 patients (39.40%). Gestational age greater than 30 weeks (p=0.022) and rural residence (p=0.017) were significantly associated with infection, while age, parity, and socioeconomic status were not. Conclusion: Urinary tract infection is a common finding in women with preterm labor, particularly among rural residents and those beyond 30 weeks of gestation.
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