Level of knowledge about urinary tract infections by the community

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect any part of the urinary system. They are more common in women, but can also affect men and children (Loor, et al., 2023). They are usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary system through the urethra such as Escherichia coli, which is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract, or others such as bacteria of the Klebsiella, Proteus or Staphylococcus genus (Guzmán, & García-Perdomo, 2020). . Quantitative research of a descriptive, non-experimental type and considering a cross-section, in the month of May of the current year, a validated electronic questionnaire was applied counting a population of 128 subjects. The questionnaire was validated, obtaining an adequate Cronbach's Alpha value (α=0.9126). The majority (81.3%) of those surveyed do not know the name of the UTI. Even only half (51.6%) of those surveyed recognize the normal color and smell of urine. A quarter (25.8%) of the surveyed sample has no knowledge about the General Urine Examination (EGO) and only a third (34.4%) have had an EGO performed in the last year. The EGO provides highly important information from a UTI up to one of kidney damage, so this study should be carried out at least once a year. It is important to sensitize the population about the detection, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs, good hygienic practices and sanitary measures to reduce the incidence of infections.