PREVELANCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN RELATION TO GENDERS AMONG PATIENTS VISITING AL KHIDMAT HOSPITAL NISHTARABAD, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and significant health concern affecting both genders, among genders women are more frequently affected due to anatomical and physiological factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted spanning of four months, from April to July 2025, at Al Khidmat Hospital Nishtarabad and the laboratory of Sarhad Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Peshawar. A total of 197 participants, including both males and females across all age groups, were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Inclusion required voluntary consent and the ability to provide a urine sample, while individuals on recent antibiotic treatment or unwilling to participate were excluded. Participants ranged in age from 1 to 80 years and were grouped into eight age groups, with the highest number (81 individuals) falling within the 21–30 years group, followed by those aged 11–20 years. Out of the total participants, 55 were male and 142 were female. UTI prevalence was notably higher among females, with 68 out of 142 testing positive (47.8%), compared to 16 out of 55 males (29%). These findings suggest that females, particularly in the reproductive age group, are more susceptible to UTIs, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and early diagnostic strategies in this population.